The St. Johns County Library System is offering qualified community members the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate for free.
It is a program brought about through state funding and a partnership with Smart Horizons Career Online High School.
The program is specifically designed to re-engage adults into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce.
Currently, more than 9,800 adults in St. Johns County lack a high school degree or equivalent.
“Career Online High School provides the support and practical, real-world coursework that will help students feel prepared for whatever comes next,” said Michelle Kiley, Hastings Branch Library’s assistant branch manager and youth services librarian.
Kiley has been administering Career Online High School for several sessions and enjoys helping program participants reach their goals.
“My favorite part of administering this program is hearing how happy and relieved people are to have the opportunity to go back and get that diploma,” Kiley said. “Often, they’ve been out in the world for some time and are finding that they feel thwarted in accomplishing their goals.”
So far, St. Johns County has seen 17 students earn their diplomas and career certificates through its program.
“Career Online High School is perfect for the person with a busy adult life. Coursework is available any time, and there’s great academic support,” Kiley said. “Truly, there’s no age limit when it comes to learning and accomplishing your goals.”
The St. Johns County Library System will award scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers.
Students can graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.
Residents 19 years of age or older who are interested in learning more about Career Online High School can go to sjcpls.org/cohs or contact Kiley at mkiley@sjcfl.us or call 904-827-6970.
