San Bernardino Library offers scholarships to earn diploma online

San Bernardino residents, 19 years and older now have access to earning their High School Diploma and Career Certificate for free through scholarships offered by the San Bernardino Public Library.

The initiative, in partnership with Career Online High School (COHS), is part of the adult education program at the Library’s Jack L. Hill Lifelong Learning Center, which was designed to help adults gain the skills and credentials needed to advance in their careers or further their education.

The online program provides students with 24/7 virtual classrooms, personal academic coaches, and real-world career training.

“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 COHS Superintendent Dr. Howard Liebman.

To ensure students have the necessary resources to succeed, SBPL offers free public Wi-Fi at all its locations, and laptops are available for checkout at the Feldheym Library for use by cardholders in good standing.

Students that obtain their accredited high school diploma through COHS also receive a certification in their chosen career path along with a resume, cover letter, and other tools to start or advance their careers.

The initiative addresses a critical need in San Bernardino, where the U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 27% of adults over the age of 25 lack a high school diploma.

COHS has partnered with more than 1,800 library locations across the country and is accredited by Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC, and its diplomas are recognized by U.S. colleges and universities. The scholarship is covered by the State of California as long as the student maintains good standing with their work and assignments throughout the program.

To learn more about the diploma program, including how to enroll and available scholarship opportunities, visit https://sbpl.mycareerhs.com/.