Impacting Richland Library's Career Online High School students
For the past five years, Power:Ed has partnered with Richland Library to offer scholarships to Career Online High School (COHS), an accredited online program that enables students 21 and older to earn their high school diplomas. Through our partnership, Power:Ed has provided $154,375 in scholarship grants, assisting over 120 students. Scholarships eliminate the $1,295 financial barrier preventing low-income residents from participating.
“I wanted to finish my high school diploma because getting into a college has always been one of my biggest goals. Now that I have completed my high schooling officially, I can do just that.” — Chelsea, Program Graduate
Library staff guides participants through the program, which includes the assignment of an academic coach, 24/7 online classroom access, specialized, focused training on nine in-demand industries, and tools to help participants start or advance their careers. Successful graduates earn a certified high school diploma and a career certification. Since 2018, 161 students have graduated, and 322 scholarships have been awarded.
Career Online at High School prepares adult students to enter or advance in the workplace and offers a certificate in one of 10 high-demand career areas, such as childcare, home care, hospitality, manufacturing, office management, and security. Students enrolling in Career Online High School have experienced educational trauma, either pushed out or pulled out of high school due to family circumstances, which they often had no control over. Achieving a certified high school diploma as an adult can lead to a better job or an opportunity for higher education, two goals that have long eluded our students.
“What I have gained from this program is knowing that I have accomplished something that I have always wanted for so long. It makes me want to do more in life than just settle. I have started looking for a better job and planning my next goal in accomplishing college soon. My future career plans are to get a great job and succeed.” —Tahon, Program Graduate
In addition to earning a career certificate, Career Online High School provides graduates with the tools and information necessary to secure employment in their chosen fields. While enrolled, Richland Library will follow up with students to ensure they are engaged, motivated, moving through the program, and meeting the requirements of their scholarship.
Richland Library works with enrolled students and program participants through Career Coaching and assessments in our Business and Careers Department, and connects students and graduates with other library resources, such as our Social Work Department, which provides direct service referrals for housing, community services, and other public assistance programs to residents of Richland County.