The most recent graduates of Online High School ?COHS, for its acronym in English? were honored with a ceremony at the most recent Redwood City City Council meeting to celebrate their accomplishments.
The three graduates who earned their diplomas through Smart Horizons Career Online High School with the help of the program were inspired to enroll by the family that went through the program and, in turn, seek to inspire their own family members to attend.
The COHS initiative, supported by the Redwood City Library Foundation in partnership with the Library, the READ Project and the California State Library, allows enrollees up to 18 months to complete the curriculum and earn a high school diploma and career guidance .
COHS offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career guidance by pairing with online academic coaches who provide one-on-one guidance.
Thus, a limited number of scholarships are available to qualified adult students who wish to broaden their career opportunities, prepare for entry into the workforce, and continue their education.
Participants have 18 months to complete the curriculum, which they typically do while working and raising their families.
Career Online High School ?COHS? is different from taking a GED or General Educational Development Test, as graduates receive an accredited high school diploma instead of an equivalency certificate.
In addition, COHS offers ongoing advising and support instead of the independent study model of the GED test, and career-related learning modules instead of a strict focus on academic knowledge.
The three hard-working graduates for January were:
Haydee Barrita, a mother of three who wanted to earn a high school diploma to ensure a better future for herself and her family. She studied Child Care Development as her elective.
"?Invest? All this time I can say that it is totally worth it! And I am more than happy to be able to offer a better future to my children," she said.
Aroldo Agustín Zecena is married and has three children. His wife is also a COHS graduate, and her success in the program, as well as that of their children, inspired him to earn his diploma. He studied Food and Hospitality and hopes to one day continue university studies.
«I acquired more knowledge and opened my mind to discover more paths. I want to learn more and try to put into practice everything I have learned through this program. I want to teach my children to finish what they start and not to give up. I'm planning to do some online English courses and some computer classes," he said.
Morayma Quezadas is currently a library employee who joined the program to inspire her younger brother, expand her own knowledge, and achieve her goals. He hopes to go to college one day and pursue a career in the medical field.
“After high school, I spent most of my time working or helping take care of my family's youngest son. It's been a couple of years and this kid is about to start high school. Seeing my friends pursue their goals has inspired me to continue my education," he said at the start of the program.
To learn more about the program, those interested can click here.
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