Orange County Library System is proud to present scholarship opportunities for adults to Career Online High School (COHS) with their residential library card. Geared toward adults who never completed their high school course work, COHS allows individuals to earn a private high school diploma online and gain career skills. In addition to an accredited diploma, COHS students graduate with a certificate in one of nine career paths, a resume, cover letter, and other tools to start or advance their careers. The fully online high school program provides a 24/7 online classroom, personal academic coaches, and real-world career training. This program is accredited by Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC and is recognized by several colleges for students who would like to pursue a college degree after completing the program.
A student who completed the program through OCLS said, “Having my high school diploma is very important, because it will help me reach my future career as far as my dream job and my purpose in life. And also, I had a great experience throughout the program because my coach adviser was really supportive and helpful.”
Candidates for the scholarships must be 19 years of age or older and complete the online readiness survey. This readiness survey only takes a few minutes to fill out and requires a personal statement of no more than 150 words. Once the library receives the survey and qualifications are met, a link is sent to take the prerequisite course in one of the nine career paths provided including office management, security professional, and childcare & education. The prerequisite course gives individuals a chance to learn what it’s like to take an online class, via a computer, a tablet, or even a phone. Once the prerequisite is completed with a score of 70% or better, candidates will be contacted about an interview to discuss the program and are notified a week later if they have been awarded a scholarship. If awarded a scholarship a student will need to sign a commitment pledge, stating the student doesn’t already have a high school diploma or GED, will communicate with their academic coach regularly, and will complete two semesters in the first 30 days.
The first 30 days of the scholarship are a probationary time, allowing the student to determine if COHS is a good fit. COHS supports their students by providing an academic coach who offers support via phone, email, and text. Academic coaches cheer student successes, answer questions, connect them with instructors for academic support, and provide any guidance and motivation that is needed for students to complete their courses, gain their diploma, and advance their lives and careers. Career Online High School is part of Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE), the world’s first private accredited online school district. Founded in 2009, SHCOE offers online high school diploma programs designed to re-engage adults and older youth in the educational system and prepare them for the workplace or postsecondary education.
Find out more about the program here.
