Career Online High School and our site honor students' accomplishments at graduation ceremony
🏡 The Empowering Graduation of Harris County Public Library's COHS Students
Last month, the Harris County Public Library hosted a heartfelt, traditional graduation ceremony for a group of deserving graduates from its Career Online High School (COHS) program. These self-motivated individuals, embarking on a non-traditional path, proudly marched towards their diplomas adorned in caps and gowns. As they crossed the stage, they received their diplomas from library and county authorities, culminating in a euphoric cap toss at the end! 🎓
🦠 During the pandemic, celebrations such as these had to be put on hold, but when the time was right, the library knew they had to bring everyone together to honor these achievements and, more importantly, to be celebrated by their supportive families and friends. 👨🤝👨
🌍 A New Chapter for County Residents
The Harris County Public Library, in partnership with Smart Horizons, aims to provide adults in the county an unparalleled opportunity to forge a brighter future. Residents aged 19 and over with a valid library card can access a free, fully accredited high school diploma. For those who missed out on high school or a GED, this program could be a transformative experience. 🌟
💻 COHS is designed to help students succeed. Each student is connected with an academic coach, offering ongoing support and links to instructional resources when needed. The entire program is accessible online 24/7, allowing students to set their own schedule and dedicate time to their studies according to their availability. 🕒
📈 The program encourages students to spend around 8-10 hours per week on their schoolwork and to complete each credit within a month. Typically, students complete the program within 12 months, but they're provided with up to 18 months to achieve their goal. 🏎️
🏆 Certified Success
Upon graduation, students not only earn their high school diploma but also receive a certificate in their chosen career path. Choices include general career preparation, office management, child care and education, home care professional, security professional, food and hospitality, commercial driving, hospitality and leisure, retail customer service, and introduction to manufacturing. 🔧
Additionally, COHS aids students in creating a career portfolio, containing job documents and cover letters, to support them during their job search after graduation. COHS cares about its students' success not only during the program but also in the professional world. 💪
❤️ Celebrating Milestones Together
The graduation was an emotionally charged event, with the graduates' pride evident, and the happiness in their families and friends' faces radiating throughout the room. Student speaker, Regina Miles, touched many hearts with her moving speech, emphasizing the importance of earning her high school diploma for her son's future. After completing the COHS program, she went on to achieve an associate's degree and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology at Sam Houston State University. All the while maintaining that mental health is crucial during the journey of life. 🤝
🔥 Empowering Community Members
Post-ceremony, students were interviewed by the library about their COHS experience and received a free Chromebook from the library. When asked how Harris County Public Library aided them, student Eckle Eugene replied, "Harris County has been a terrific help to me and my family." It was heartwarming to witness the supportive resources the library offers, which can have a profound impact on the lives of community members. 📚
🔥 Join the COHS Family
If you or someone you know is considering completing their high school education, the COHS program is an accredited program with a proven record of student success. For more details, visit the COHS FAQs at Harris County Public Library (careeronlinehs.org). 💻
👥 Ready to Begin Your Journey? Reach out to the Adult Literacy Coordinator at the Harris County Public Library to sign up for Career Online High School. 🎓
- The Career Online High School (COHS) program, in partnership with Smart Horizons, offers adults in Harris County a chance to earn a free, fully accredited high school diploma through the Harris County Public Library.
- COHS provides ongoing support through academic coaches and access to instructional resources, with the entire program accessible online 24/7.
- Students are encouraged to spend 8-10 hours per week on their studies and complete each credit within a month, with up to 18 months provided to achieve their goal.
- Upon graduation, students receive not only a high school diploma but also a certificate in their chosen career path, such as child care and education or office management, and assistance in creating a career portfolio.
- The COHS program has had a profound impact on the lives of community members, empowering them to pursue further education and career opportunities while emphasizing the importance of mental health and personal growth.
