Erie County Public Library is providing scholarships to adults in Erie County to earn a private high school diploma online and gain career skills.
Through a partnership with Career Online High School (COHS), and the Friends of the Erie County Library, ECPL supports adults with earning their high school diploma and a career certificate. The library grants scholarships as part of their adult education programming. The fully online high school program provides a 24/7 online classroom, personal academic coaches, and real-world career training. ECPL is the first library in Pennsylvania to offer opportunity to the community.
“Libraries offer a safe, supportive environment to foster learning and community. Our online education program for adults is a natural extension of library services that empower adults to learn and grow,” said District Superintendent Dr. Howard Liebman. “COHS students receive support from ECPL staff as well as from our academic coaches. Together, they help students achieve their goals.”
In addition to an accredited diploma, COHS students graduate with a certificate in their chosen career path, plus a résumé, cover letter, and other tools to start or advance their careers. Career Paths include but are not limited to Child Care and Education, Food and Hospitality, Office Management, Introduction to Manufacturing, Commercial Driving and Security Professional.
According to the 2022 US Census Bureau report, there are more than 22,000 adults over the age of 25 Erie County who lack a high school diploma, making it difficult to apply to college or advance in a career. “Seventy-six percent of our graduates pursue or plan to pursue post-secondary education including community colleges, vocational schools, and bachelor’s degree programs,” said Dr. Liebman.
A fully online program accredited by Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC, COHS has partnered with more than 1,800 library locations across the country.
To learn more about the program, including how to enroll and available scholarship opportunities, visit https://library.careeronlinehs.org/ .
