Redwood City Library Offers Free Accredited High School Diplomas

REDWOOD CITY, CA -- The City of Redwood City announced today the receipt of a grant from the California State Library to award scholarships to community members ages 18 years old or older who want the opportunity to earn a free accredited high school diploma through the Redwood City Public Library. Students simultaneously earn a credentialed career certificate through the Career Online High School (COHS) program.

"This innovative partnership has the potential to give adult learners a high school diploma, along with new confidence and improved job prospects, through online classes offered through their local public library," said John Seybert, mayor of the City of Redwood City.

The normal tuition for COHS is $1,095 for the complete program, but it is free for participants at Redwood City Public Library thanks to scholarships provided by the California State Library and the Redwood City Library Foundation.

"The Library Foundation sees this program as a natural extension of the Library's role as a hub of lifelong learning and literacy in our community," said Rouslana Yaroslavsky, executive director of the Redwood City Library Foundation.

The library's pilot program provides full scholarships to qualified adult learners who are looking to expand their career opportunities, prepare for workforce entry, and continue their education. In order to qualify for free enrollment, applicants must successfully complete an online self-assessment and an in-person interview.

Once enrolled in the program, each COHS student is paired with an online academic coach, who provides the student with an individual career path, offers ongoing guidance, evaluates performance, and connects the student with the resources needed to master the courses. Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program.Community members who have existing high school credits can count them to reduce the number of classes needed to complete a diploma.

Career Online High School is different from taking a GED exam. Students who complete the program will receive an accredited high school diploma rather than a certificate of equivalency. In addition, COHS provides ongoing coaching and support instead of the independent study model of the GED exam, and it provides career-related activities in the learning modules rather than strictly focusing on academic knowledge.

For more about the program or to enroll in the Career Online High School program email rclread@redwoodcity.org or visit Project READ at the Downtown Library.

About Career Online High School
Career Online High School is committed to preparing students for careers and post-secondary career education by delivering high-quality, supportive, and career-based online education. Objectives include offering students an affordable, flexible opportunity to earn their high school diplomas, preparing students for careers and employment based on employer-driven academic requirements and creating a positive, academic environment that facilitates all students reaching their maximum potential.

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News submitted from the City of Redwood City