Local resident is first to earn high school diploma through innovative program offered by Sacramento Public Library
Library brings accredited diplomas and career certificates to residents through Career Online High School
SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, Sabrina Montgomery, 22, was looking for a program to complete her high school education. This month, she became the first student to earn an accredited diploma and career certificate through the Career Online High School program at Sacramento Public Library.
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Sacramento Public Library partnered with Gale, part of Cengage Learning, in 2014 to deliver Career Online High School, an accredited program offering high school completion and career certificates. The collaboration represents another opportunity for the nearly 50,000 adults in Sacramento County—one-fifth of the adult population—who lack a high school diploma.
Sixty-five local adult students have qualified for scholarships, including Montgomery who finished her coursework in only 7 months. "I loved it," she said. "I'm really thrilled about the Sacramento Public Library offering so many opportunities."
"We could not be more delighted," said Sacramento Public Library Director Rivkah K. Sass. "We started offering Career Online High School in order to help people who have a drive to succeed despite obstacles put in their way. Sabrina Montgomery epitomizes that spirit."
Montgomery discovered an interest in criminal justice and hopes to one day join the FBI. She plans to enroll in an online college this spring. "It's an overwhelming feeling, that I'm in college now," Montgomery said. "I finally got through the high school part. I'm not stuck."
Career Online High School was created by Dr. Howard Liebman, Superintendent and CEO of Smart Horizons Career Online Education, in partnership with Cengage Learning in an effort to provide affordable, career-based online education opportunities for the millions of adults in the United States without high school diplomas. The program is made available to public libraries through Gale.
"We're very proud of Sabrina and congratulate her on earning her diploma from Career Online High School," said Dr. Liebman. "Sabrina is a perfect example of a COHS graduate—she now has a bright future ahead of her after earning her diploma and we wish her the best of luck in her pursuit of a career in criminal justice."
"Sabrina's achievement is a great example of the direct social and economic impact libraries have on their communities, and Gale is proud to partner with them to make it happen," said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager at Gale.
Sacramento residents interested in learning more about the program and application process may visit the library's web site at www.saclibrary.org/diplomas.
For more information on Career Online High School, please visit http://www.careeronlinehs.gale.com/.
This program is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
Career Online High School with Sacramento Public Library is offered in partnership with the Califa Group, a non-profit consortium representing more than 220 libraries.
About Sacramento Public Library
Sacramento Public Library is an award-winning, 28-branch system that serves more than 650,000 cardholders living in California's fourth most populous metropolitan area. The library offers millions of books, eBooks and other media, along with services ranging from book-printing to a program that allows adults to earn a high school diploma.
About Gale, part of Cengage Learning
Cengage Learning is a leading educational-content, technology and services company, empowering educators and driving learner engagement through personalized services and course-driven digital solutions that bridge from the library to the classroom. Gale, part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet. It is best-known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data, addressing all types of information needs – from homework help to health questions to business profiles – in a variety of formats. For more information, visit www.cengage.com or www.gale.cengage.com.
About Smart Horizons
Smart Horizons Career Online Education, founded in 2009 and located in Pensacola, Florida, is a private, AdvancED/SACS accredited online school district. AdvancED/SACS District accreditation signifies that SHCOE and all of its schools are fully accredited and that SHCOE is recognized across the nation as a quality school system. Smart Horizons Career Online Education offers 18-credit, career-based high school diploma programs that are designed to prepare students for entrance into the workplace. Career certificate offerings include Childcare Education, Office Management, Protection Services, Homeland Security, Transportation Services, Professional Skills, Retail Customer Service Skills, and Food & Customer Service Skills.
SOURCE Cengage Learning
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