NORCROSS — Nine adults earned accredited high school diplomas through Gwinnett County Public Library’s Career Online High School program during a graduation ceremony June 6 at the library’s Norcross branch.
Family and friends gathered for the ceremony, which featured Norcross Mayor Craig Newton as guest speaker.
Career Online High School provides eligible Gwinnett County residents ages 19 and older the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate through a flexible online program. The program is supported by community donations and scholarships awarded through the library.
The program is designed to re-engage adults in education and prepare them for postsecondary training, career advancement or the workforce.
According to the library, nearly 70,000 Gwinnett County residents between the ages of 18 and 64 have not graduated from high school. People without a high school diploma are almost twice as likely to live in poverty compared with those who have one, and a quarter of low-income working families with children include at least one parent without a high school diploma or equivalent.
Over the past 12 months, 29 students have graduated from Career Online High School through GCPL. Since the program launched in Gwinnett County in 2016, 162 students have earned diplomas.
Many students are women, English language learners or newcomers to the United States, according to the library. Others enter the program after leaving school in the 10th or 11th grade and are able to transfer previously earned credits toward completing their diploma.
“Earning a high school diploma is a life-changing achievement,” GCPL Executive Director Charles Pace said. “Career Online High School is a key part of our mission of inspiring our residents to learn, grow and dream.”
Once accepted, each student is paired with an academic coach who provides guidance, monitors progress and connects learners with resources. Students also receive support from certified instructors and have 24-hour access to an online learning platform.
The curriculum begins with courses tied to a student’s chosen career field before moving into core academic subjects. Students may graduate in as little as six months by transferring previously earned high school credits, though they have up to 18 months to complete the program.
The application process includes a prerequisite course, interview, orientation and trial period. Students may continue building on credits earned during the prerequisite and trial period as they work toward a diploma.
The library also provides support for students who need help accessing the online program, including those without a personal laptop or internet connection. Previous school transcripts are accepted and encouraged but are not required.
Gwinnett County residents interested in Career Online High School can learn more and complete an online self-assessment at gwinnett.careeronlinehs.org or contact the library at 770-978-5154.
