2 earn diploma through local library program

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Two Sulphur Springs residents have earned their high school diploma through the Career Online High School program at Sulphur Springs Public Library. Catrina Meek and Sarah Rodriguez have completed all the requirements for their high school diplomas and have earned their general career preparation certifications. Graduation ceremonies will be held Tuesday evening, March 10, at 6 p.m. at the library. The public is invited to attend.

The library partnered with Gale, a provider of library resources, in September 2017 to offer the program in an effort to help the city’s estimated 19% of adults, according to library director Hope Cain, who lack a high school diploma.

“After looking at the dropout statistics of Hopkins County, I knew this program could change lives,” Cain said. “Friends of the Library president Trice Lawrence spoke to area businesses about the need for a program like this and raised enough money to begin with twelve scholarships. As of today, the library has given out nine scholarships and has seen seven graduates.”

Sulphur Springs Public Library awards scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers, Cain said. Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an academic coach, who offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material.

Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Coursework begins in one of eight highgrowth, high-demand career fields (across a wide spectrum from truck driving to office management), before progressing to the core academic subjects. Students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring previously earned high school credits but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.

“Our students’ 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.