You can complete your high school education through Corona Public Library’s Career Online High School

By Abigail Schellberg, Library and Recreation Assistant Director

Did you know that 15.2% of Corona’s residents who are 25-years-old or older do not have a high school diploma?[1] If you’re in this group, the Corona Public Library wants you to know that we’re here for you. We believe in you, so we’re here to give you a second chance to earn an accredited high school diploma — that’s right, not a GED! — through our Career Online High School.

This 100% online program will give you an opportunity to earn a high school diploma while gaining career skills in your choice of one of ten employment fields, ranging from Child Care and Education to Homeland Security. Working closely with your own personal academic coach, you’ll complete 18 credits (14 academic and 4 career) on your time — that is, if you don’t have credits to transfer — and you can finish in 18 months or less! When you do graduate, you’ll be prepared for your job search with a high school diploma, a career certificate, a resume and a cover letter.

We understand that not finishing school the first time around may have given you some self-doubt. You might be questioning if this time will be any different, but this program is set up to help you stick with it. For one, as a Career Online High School student, you’ll have a built-in support system. You’ll be assigned an academic coach who is dedicated to your success, encouraging you each step of the way. Your coach will be available if you have any questions, and they’ll connect you to an instructor if you need additional help with a lesson.

With Career Online High School, not only will you have more support than you had in high school the first time around, but you’ll also have a much more flexible schedule. We know you have family and work responsibilities, and we’ll give you 24/7 access to an online learning environment, so you can learn on your own time and at your own pace. You’ll end up spending about 8-10 hours a week on your coursework, but you set your own hours. Plus, the program includes biweekly online 21st century skill seminars to help with time management and study habits, and monthly career webinars that will help prepare you for the workplace environment.

There are so many benefits to earning your high school diploma. You’ll likely have new job opportunities come your way or maybe even advancement at your current job after you achieve this educational milestone. Once you have your diploma, you can enroll in college or a professional certificate program to make your career dreams a reality. And your kids and family members will be quite impressed with your accomplishment! With Career Online High School, a path to a brighter future is within your reach.

Here’s what a few of our graduates have to say about how it felt to achieve their goal:

“Seeing my sisters graduate pushed me to go for my high school diploma. I did it! Having my high school diploma means a lot — to me, I feel like I’ve accomplished something, and now that I have my diploma, I can go to college and start my career. If I can do it, you can do it.”

“I left Mexico without finishing my high school diploma, and this was my third time trying to get it done. My family is very excited about this accomplishment! Now that I have my diploma, I’m going to find a better job and go to college. This is an easy program that just requires your free time. You can do it, too!”

“Graduation day was the happiest day of my life. It was a recognition that I have accomplished something for myself, and I’m proud of it. This diploma is the key to all of the doors that I want to open in my future!”

As the Corona Public Library’s Library and Recreation Assistant Director, I’m thrilled to be able to play a part in Career Online High School, and I have been since we first partnered with the California State Library and Gale, a Cengage Company, to begin offering the program two years ago. At each graduation, I see how proud our graduates are and how excited they are about their achievements. This program truly offers a way to improve your life and your family’s life, so won’t you give it a try?

All Corona residents who are 19-years-old or older can qualify for this program by completing an online self-assessment and prerequisite course, and then participating in an in-person interview. If you or someone you know could benefit from Career Online High School, visit our library’s website for more information or get started with your online assessment today.

Abigail Schellberg is the Corona Public Library’s Library and Recreation Assistant Director. Throughout her time working with the library’s Career Online High School program since it launched in March 2016, the library has awarded 15 scholarships and five have graduated. Seven students are currently enrolled and working their way to graduation.

[1] https://www.coronaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=4094