Beaumont Library Offers Adults Second Chance to Earn High School Diploma

Beaumont Library District is continuing its Career Online High School program in partnership with the California State Library and Gale, a leading provider of library resources and part of Cengage Learning.

Beaumont Library and other innovative libraries offer adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and a career certificate online. The library is providing scholarships to qualified adult learners who are looking to advance their careers, prepare for workforce entry or continue their education. Career Online High School is open to all district residents through the library.

Career Online High School allows adults to earn an accredited high school degree while preparing for a career in one of eight high-demand, high-growth fields. The program allows the flexibility to take classes online and access schoolwork 24/7 to fit busy lifestyles. Learners also receive support and free educational resources at Beaumont Library.

Career Online High School is nationally accredited as a private online school district by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six accrediting bodies in the U.S. It is supported by degreed educational professionals and its accreditation is accepted in all fifty states. The program is built on a sophisticated educational model that was designed to help dropouts overcome the reasons they did not finish high school, whether due to poor grades, lack of support at home, or other challenging life circumstances.

There are 40 million adults in the U.S. with no high school diploma--12 percent of the population, or 1 in every 8 Americans age 18 or older. High school dropouts face a stark employment picture, with unemployment rates double that of high school graduates. This strain affects their health and social relations, leading to lower life expectancy, more family breakup, and a much higher rate of incarceration compared to graduates. A recent study estimated that the total lifetime cost to taxpayers is almost $300,000 per dropout, or $12 trillion dollars!

“Education is the key to success, but it is out of reach to many,” says Beaumont Library Adult Literacy Program Manager Lucy Sims. “The reality is that working and providing for a family makes going back to school difficult. It takes time and money. But through the Career Online High School program, a motivated person can earn a high school diploma in a minimal amount of time and at little cost.”

“Beaumont Library is happy to be part of this program that gives a second chance to adult learners,” says Director Clara DiFelice. “This innovative program fits well with our vision to give all residents access to free resources that help them succeed in school and their careers. Public libraries transform through a positive impact on people by improving their lives and the overall economy to build a stronger community.”

Visit www.galepages.com/beaumontld/cohs for more information about the Career Online High School program at Beaumont Library. Email cohsbeaumont@gmail.com if you are interested in participating or if you would like to support additional learners.

Beaumont Library, a California Special District independent of both city and county government, provides library services to Beaumont and Cherry Valley and is located at 125 E. Eighth Street in Beaumont. Call 951-845-1357 or visit bld.lib.ca.us for more information.