Career Online High School Diploma Program

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The Richmond City Library, in partnership with the California State Library and Gale, part of Cengage Learning, offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online through Career Online High School.
career online high school
The library program provides a limited number of scholarships to qualified adult learners who are looking to expand their career opportunities, prepare for workforce entry, and continue their education.

Career Online High School through the Richmond Public Library is open to eligible Richmond residents. Applicants who successfully complete an online self-assessment and prerequisite course, followed by an in-person interview, will be considered for enrollment. 

Once enrolled in the program, Career Online High School pairs each student with an online academic coach, who provides the student with an individual career path, offers ongoing guidance, evaluates performance and connects the student with the resources needed to master the courses. Students will also be given additional support and access to computers through the library's literacy program--LEAP. Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program.


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Email John Adams and our enrollment team will contact you.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Career Online High School?

Who can apply to Career Online High School?

How will people be selected for the program?

How much of the cost of the program does the Scholarship cover?

Will Career Online High School students receive their GED or other high school equivalency?

What is the difference between high school equivalency (GED, HiSET, TASC) and a high school diploma?

What type of career certification will be offered?

How long will it take for students to complete the program?

What if I don't qualify for a scholarship?

Does the library offer other resources for education and job preparation?

What is Career Online High School?
Career Online High School is an online high school diploma and career certification program available through the Richmond Public Library and LEAP. This pilot program offers scholarships to a limited number of qualified students.
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Who can apply to Career Online High School? ?
The program is open to anyone who is at least 19 years of age and has completed the 8th grade. A City of Richmond Library card, in good standing, is required to apply for the program.  
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How will people be selected for the program?
Scholarships are limited, and the demand is expected to be high. Eligible adults must successfully pass an online self-assessment and prerequisite course, as well as an in-person interview to be considered for enrollment in the program. The in-person interview and the final decision regarding awarding the scholarships will be made by LEAP staff.
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How much of the cost of the program does the Scholarship cover?
The Scholarship will cover 100% the cost of the diploma program. This is not a free program. LEAP and the California State Library are awarding a limited number scholarships to students who successfully complete the self-assessment, the prerequisites, and the in-person interview.
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Will Career Online High School students receive their GED or other high school equivalency?
No. This is not a GED or other high school equivalency program. Successful graduates will earn a high school diploma and a career certification through an accredited online high school.
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What is the difference between high school equivalency (GED, HiSET, TASC) and a high school diploma?
While both high school equivalency and the high school diploma are important, there are several differences between them. Among the most significant is the fact that some colleges, institutions and organizations require a high school diploma and may not accept an equivalency. In addition to providing a high school diploma, Career Online High School gives students the benefit of earning a career certificate and completing additional job preparation documents and training.
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What type of career certification will be offered?
Through Career Online High School, students may earn a certificate in the following areas: Childcare and Education, Certified Protection Officer (Security Officer). Office Management, Certified Transportation Services (Trucker/Commercial Driver), Homeland Security, General Career Preparation, Retail Customer Service Skills, Food Service, and Customer Service Skills. Students and community members can learn more about the District Accreditation Process at http://www.careeronlinehs.org/career¬certificates/.
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How long will it take for students to complete the program?
Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program, which will consist of 18 credits. Students accepted into the program may transfer up to 14 credits from their former high school. Depending on how many credits the student is able to transfer, the program can be completed in as few as five months.
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What if I don't qualify for a scholarship?
There may be other options available to you. Please contact hsdiploma@ci.richmond.ca.us for more information.
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Does the library offer other resources for education and job preparation?
LEAP and the Richmond Public Library are committed to helping people meet their education and job preparation needs. Please visit LEAP for more information.
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