Library Serving the Chicago Suburb of Bolingbrook, IL, Now Offers Patrons the Opportunity to Earn a High School Diploma
Career Online High School’s public library partnership program yesterday introduced the Fountaindale Public Library of Bolingbrook, IL, as its latest library partner. This announcement coincided with Fountaindale Public Library’s launch of Career Online High School as part of its new Passport to Success program. Passport to Success is the library’s initiative geared toward residents who wish to learn basic technology and online communications skills who are also in need of a high school diploma and/or are looking for employment opportunities.
As part of the Passport to Success program, the Fountaindale Public Library will provide a limited number of full scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified local adult learners who want to advance their careers, enter the workforce, or continue their education by earning an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate. Fountaindale is now the fourth library system in the country and the first in Illinois to offer this new educational program.
“We are excited to be offering such a valuable resource to our community,” said Chrissy Little, Marketing and Communications Manager for Fountaindale Public Library. “The Passport Program and Career Online High School will provide unique opportunities for patrons to gain essential technology and job skills and a second chance at a high school diploma. Fountaindale is thrilled to be the first library in Illinois to be providing Career Online High School.”
Career Online High School is specifically designed to reengage adults into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce. The school is part of the world’s first SACS-accredited private online school district, Smart Horizons Career Online Education. The district launched Career Online High School in 2012 with Cengage Learning’s ed2go, and developed the library program in partnership with one of the largest library resource companies in the world, Gale, which is also part of Cengage. The program addresses the nation’s dropout crisis, which sees roughly 3 million people drop out of high school each year, with an estimated 45 million total.
“I’m gratified to see Career Online High School continue to grow and build momentum as more libraries such as Fountaindale realize the extraordinary life-changing opportunity that earning a fully accredited high school diploma offers their patrons,” stated Dr. Howard Liebman, CEO and Superintendent of Smart Horizons Career Online Education. “We will continue to partner with organizations such as Fountaindale Public Library that share our vision of providing individuals in need of a high school diploma or workforce training with access to affordable, flexible education.”
Applicants must successfully complete an online self-assessment and a two-week prerequisite course, followed by an in-person interview and a scholarship review process. Once enrolled, the program pairs each student with an 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 be given up to 18 months to complete the program. Research indicates adults with high school diplomas earn higher annual wages and are more likely to be productive citizens in the community.
About Cengage Learning and ed2go
Cengage Learning is a leading educational content, software and services company for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. ed2go, part of Cengage Learning, is the largest provider of turnkey online training and education solutions serving the adult education, career, and corporate training markets. With over 2,000 colleges, universities, community based organizations and other training providers, ed2go has served more than 2.5 million students. ed2go’s ever-growing catalog of Online Courses and Career Training Programs makes it simple for students to enrich their lives or reach professional goals in a supportive and engaging environment. ed2go also can help educational institutions jump-start their online education programs or augment existing distance learning options. For more information visit www.cengage.com or www.ed2go.com