Opportunity Knocking At Beaumont Library: Career Online H.S.

BEAUMONT, CA — Opportunity knocked when Edwin Romero visited his hometown library. As his daughters sat quietly reading, Romero spotted a brochure about 'Career Online High School.'

“I’m 46 years old,” Romero thought to himself. “But it’s never too late to start.”

Ten months later, Romero had earned a scholarship and become the first graduate of the Career Online High School program through the Beaumont Library.

Since graduating in 2017, Romero, a cable company installer, has set his sights on becoming a cybersecurity expert.

The Career Online High School program is also offered across the Inland Empire at branches of the Riverside County Library System and the San Bernardino County Library.

Success online!

The innovative program allows adults over 19 years of age with a library card to earn an accredited high school diploma, a career certificate, and prepare for college.

Students learn in an online environment available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re paired with an academic coach and a coordinator at the Beaumont Library.

Students may enroll year-round, scholarships are available, and while students work at their own pace, the program must be completed in 18 months.

Knock-knock …

Alondra De Anda and her boyfriend, Jesus Fajardo, both 21, recently heard the sound of opportunity at their hometown library.

The couple answered the knock and received scholarships for the Career Online High School program. De Anda, an office manager and the mother of a 4-year- old son, is eyeing a bright future.

“I’ve always dreamed of being an entrepreneur with my own business,” she said. “Now, I’ve got the support, self-discipline and dedication to do it!”

Public libraries expand educational role

The online program is a partnership between public libraries and Gale, a Cengage Company, which specializes in educational content, software, and services (www.careeronlinehs.org).

“We’re delighted to partner with Beaumont Library District to offer Career Online High School and give residents access to education and the potential to change their lives,” said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager for Gale.

Career Online High School at-a-glance

Students start the program by taking a Self-Assessment Questionnaire and writing a 150-word essay about why they want to earn a high school diploma. If they pass, the Beaumont Library interviews them for possible scholarships.

If you live in Beaumont or Cherry Valley, two scholarships are currently available to cover the cost of Career Online High School.

In the coming months, the Beaumont Library expects to receive an additional six scholarships. Funding is provided by the California State Library and through private donations.

The Beaumont Library has received a $1,400 scholarship donation from an Adult Literacy Tutor and $250 from the Beaumont Rotary Club.

During the first semester, students take a required prerequisite course to see if they’re comfortable with online learning and their career field. Career fields are chosen from eight, high-demand occupations, including child care and education, office management, and retail sales.

Initially, the program focuses on a student’s career plan, including writing a resume and cover letter. Later in the program, coursework emphasizes academic subjects such as English, social studies, math, and
science.

At this time, Career Online High School is only taught in English. Beaumont and Cherry Valley residents can learn more about Career Online High School at the Beaumont Library or by visiting the Library’s website (www.bld.lib.ca.us).

For more information, please contact Lucy Sims, Adult Literacy Services Manager, at 951-845- 1357.

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MAIN PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Jesus Fajardo, Edwin Romero, and Alondra De Anda celebrate on the steps of their hometown library. Romero is the Beaumont Library’s first graduate of the Career Online High School program, and Fajardo and De Anda are students. Photo by Alex (Sandy) Mathews-Woodcock

— Content submitted by Steve Moore Communications