Who We Serve

We design, build, and manage affordable, career-based online high school diploma programs for the types of partners below.

  • About the High School Diploma plus Career Certification Program:
    • Empowering Students to Earn a High School Diploma with Career Training Online
      The High School Diploma Plus Career Certification Program offers students an accredited, online high school courses designed to prepare them to advance in their chosen career area. In addition to earning a high school diploma online, students complete coursework to earn a career certificate. The goal of this online accredited high school is to re-engage non-traditional and/or adult learners in the educational system and prepare them for jobs or future education.

      Highlights of our customizable career online high school solution:
      • Skills-Based, Career-Focused Curriculum—in addition to earning a Career Certificate, students build real-world skills needed to succeed in jobs and career college programs
      • Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC Accreditation—ensuring quality and accountability
      • Proven Track Record of Success—including a 70% retention rate
      • Path to Higher Education—76% of our graduates go on to college or vocational training
      • 24/7 Online Access—students can complete their courses anytime, anywhere
      • Academic Support Center—certified teachers, academic coaches, and onsite facilitators provide individualized support
      • Optional Onsite Learning Lab—the program can be offered exclusively online or with an onsite “learning lab” providing access to computers, resources, and teaching support.
      • Credit Transferability—students can transfer in previously earned courses in order to earn their diploma as quickly as possible
      • Comprehensive Course Catalog—including more than 70 core/academic and career-based semester courses
      • Robust, Secure Learning Management System—customizable to each institution with digital libraries, communication tools, and online instructional tools
      • Career Portfolio Course—students prepare resumes and cover letters and graduate with the tools needed to pursue jobs; they also have access to live webinars and seminars focused on key areas of job and career preparation
       
      Career Certification PATHS
      • Home Care Professional
      • Food and Hospitality
      • Retail Customer Service
      • Child Care & Education (CDA)
      • Hospitality and Leisure
      • Office Management
      • Security Professional
      • Introduction to Commercial Driving
      • Professional Skills
      • Introduction to Manufacturing

Partnerships

  • Corporations
    • Benefitting Both Corporations and Employees by Building a Better-Educated Workforce
      Smart Horizons Career Online Education offers a high school diploma online accredited by Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC that enables employees to complete high school online while continuing to work. As part of the program, employees complete industry-specific coursework to earn a specialized Career Certificate that prepares them for success within their corporation. They also learn essential career skills that can be applied on the job, such as computer, communication, and management skills, as well as knowledge about professionalism in the workplace and common on-the-job issues. Career Certificates such as Food & Hospitality, Retail Customer Service, and Hospitality & Leisure were designed specifically for corporate employees.
      Read the CASE STUDY featuring outcomes for McDonald’s and Walmart from offering the program.

       

      Benefits of the Program

      SHCOE enables high school dropouts to graduate from high school and become educated, productive members of their communities and companies. A more educated workforce means:

      • Increased Employee Retention: Employees who take advantage of tuition reimbursement tend to stay with the company longer, saving time and money on training and recruitment.
      • Smarter Employees & Higher Performance: More education should help employees perform better. In many cases, that would mean either driving more revenue or reducing expenses. It also improves a company’s ability to promote from within, again cutting costs on recruitment and training.
      • Tax Breaks: Corporate reimbursement program costs are tax-deductible up to $5,250/employee annually. Since the costs balance out and the company reaps the benefits of a smarter workforce, it’s a win-win.
      Program Highlights

      SHCOE employs an innovative curriculum aligned to the National Common Core Standards (NCCS), the convenience of an anytime-anywhere online learning platform, and interactive content that engages adult learners and helps them achieve their educational goals.

      • Flexibility of anytime, anywhere access to courses—with 24/7 availability of online courses, employees can complete their diplomas while continuing to work full time
      • Credit transferability—students can transfer in all previously earned courses in order to maximize their time and corporate resources
      • A skills-based, career-focused curriculum—the program builds the skills that employees will need to succeed in their current organization
      • Individualized support—academic coaches and highly qualified certified instructors provide academic and moral support
      Targeted Certificate Tracks
      • Retail Customer Service: For students working in retail corporations. Provides a comprehensive overview of skills critical to success in retail settings, with career coursework in areas such as management and customer service skills.
      • Food & Hospitality: For students working in food service corporations. Includes courses such as Customer Service Skills and Food Safety, and prepares students for the Prometric Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) exam.
      • Hospitality & Leisure: For employees working in the events, leisure, food services, tourism, and hospitality industries. The program teaches customer service, personal, and professional skills used in a wide variety of locations and settings.
      • Professional Skills: For students working in various types of corporations. Develops general career skills in areas such as communication, technology, and time management, with targeted knowledge about common workplace issues and how to be successful, professional members of an organization.

      INFO SHEET CASE STUDY

      • Featured Partners
      • McDonald’s
      • Amazon
      • Checkers &Rally’s
      • Next Mile DSP
      • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
      • First Watch
      • Duffy’s


      Downloads:
      Info Sheet: Corporate Partnerships
      Case Study shows results for corporate partners
      UpSkill America Report features the program for “developing America’s frontline workers.”

  • Public Libraries
    • Building a Center of Learning and Creating Positive Outcomes in a Library’s Community
      Smart Horizons Career Online Education offers an accredited, 100% online program that prepares students for jobs, college, or postsecondary career training programs. The Career Online High School program engages adults back into the educational system, creating real-world opportunities for them. By partnering with SHCOE, library systems can support lifelong learning while fighting community deficits.

      76% of SHCOE graduates pursue postsecondary education—see where they matriculate.

       

      Benefits of Offering the Program at Public Libraries

      Career Online High School employs an innovative curriculum aligned to the National Common Core Standards (NCCS), the convenience of an anytime-anywhere online learning platform, and interactive content.

      • Accredited: Not only does it ensure the highest quality, but Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accreditation also means that graduates are eligible for federal student aid programs and can pursue additional education if desired.
      • Proven: More than 15,000 students have graduated from the program, which is currently offered in over 2,000 library locations.
      • Further Your Library’s Mission: The program enhances educational and strategic missions, enabling libraries to empower members of their communities.
      • Students Graduate “Ready for Work”: In addition to career coursework, students complete a Career Portfolio, which includes resumes, cover letters, and other important documents to aid them in career advancement.
      Program Highlights
      • Career-Focused Curriculum—the courses build the skills that students will need to obtain and succeed in jobs.
      • Individualized Support—Academic Coaches and certified teachers help ensure students succeed.
      • Transfer Credit—students can transfer in prior courses or GED/HiSET credits for up to 75% of graduation requirements.
      • Accessibility—SHCOE offers ELL and literacy resources; courses can also be translated to any language and can be listened to via audio if preferred.
      • Affordability—libraries can make use of funding to provide scholarships for those in their community.
      • Featured Partners
      • California State Library
      • New Mexico State Library
      • State of Colorado
      • State of Virginia Library
      • Illinois Library System (RAILS)
      • Public Library of Cincinnati
      • Denver Public Library
      • El Paso Public Library
      • Fountaindale Public Library District
      • Las Vegas Public Library
      • City of Los Angeles Public Library
      • Los Angeles Public Library
      • Phoenix Public Library
      • Sacramento Public Library
      • San Diego Public Library
      • San Francisco Public Library
      • Virginia Beach PL
  • Community Colleges
    • Improving Recruitment and Retention for Community Colleges
      Smart Horizons Career Online Education offers a fast-track Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited program that prepares students for entrance into postsecondary career training programs and success in the workplace. SHCOE offers a pipeline of enrollment into postsecondary institutions for students who still need to complete their high school diplomas. Delivering quality, supportive, and career-based online high school education, SHCOE is proven to increase enrollments and positively impact student outcomes.

      Benefits of the Program

      SHCOE employs an innovative curriculum aligned to the National Common Core Standards (NCCS), the convenience of an anytime-anywhere online learning platform, and interactive content that engages adult learners and helps them achieve their educational goals.

      • Accredited: Graduates with an accredited high school diploma are eligible for federal student aid programs.
      • Proven Student Outcomes: The curriculum is based on a master proficiency training model with better results than the GED.
      • Most Students Advance to Enrollment: The program increases students’ exposure to and loyalty toward your institution, resulting in an increased flow of eligible students for future enrollment into postsecondary career training programs.
      Program Highlights
      • Credit transferability—students can transfer in all previously earned courses in order to earn their diplomas as quickly as possible
      • 24/7 access to courses—students can complete their courses anytime, anywhere
      • A skills-based, career-focused curriculum that builds the skills that students will need to succeed in career college
      • Individualized support from academic coaches and certified teachers
      • Affordability for both students and for postsecondary programs
      • Fast-Track—Students can earn an accredited high school diploma online fast so they can move on to the next step in the educational careers
  • Military
    • Helping reduce the national recruiting challenge
      As the U.S. military faces a growing enlistment shortage and pressure to increase recruitment, a new source of educated high school graduates can help close the gap. At a time when we urgently need to maintain every branch of the military, access to adult high school completion can reduce if not eliminate our national recruiting challenge.

      SHCOE offers an accredited program that prepares students for entrance into all branches of the military, creating a pipeline of eligible enlistees who need a high school diploma in order to serve.

      Program Highlights
      • Fast-Track—students can earn an accredited high school diploma online fast so they can move on to the next step in their military careers
      • Credit transferability—students can transfer in all previously earned courses in order to earn their diplomas as quickly as possible
      • 24/7 access to courses—students can complete their courses anytime, anywhere even if deployed or on base
      • A skills-based, career-focused curriculum that builds the skills that students will need to succeed in the military and in future military or civilian careers
      • Individualized support from academic coaches and certified teachers that helps students succeed who have struggled in the past

      Read the article:
      Ready to Serve: How COHS helps close the gap for miliary recruitment challenges.

  • Workforce Boards
    • ACCREDITED WIOA-ALIGNED CAREER-BASED EDUCATION

      Our Career Online High School program in partnership with Cengage Learning offers an accredited high school diploma concurrently with an entry-level workforce certificate. The program prepares students to enter the workplace or matriculate into training programs where they acquire additional credentials. Students complete industry-specific coursework while also learning life skills in areas such as financial literary, consumer math, conflict resolution, and professionalism.

      Built for WIOA Compliance: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was created to better address the employment and skills needs of employees, jobseekers, and employers. WIOA stresses the importance of education, training, credentials, and skills; helping people with barriers to employment; meeting the needs of employers; and increasing the success and economic self-sufficiency of workers.

      Designed to meet WIOA requirements:

      • Eight occupational skills training paths (majors) provide relevant workplace readiness training
      • 76% of students matriculate into post-secondary education, leading to attainment of additional credentials
      • Evidence-based academic model, built on educational trauma research
      • Systematic student re-engagement strategies increase completion percentage
      • Career curriculum gives students an opportunity to explore career paths
      • Dedicated academic and workforce coach provides one on one guidance
      • Activities link to career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services
      • Financial literacy section covers spending and savings plans, student loans, and paying off debt
      • Workforce activities are offered concurrently with training for a specific occupational cluster
      • Program includes life skills training in motivation, work life balance, and self-management
      • Students create a career portfolio
      Benefits and Highlights

      The program employs an innovative curriculum aligned to the National Common Core Standards (NCCS), the convenience of an anytime-anywhere online learning platform, and interactive content that engages adult learners and helps them achieve their educational goals.

      • Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC Accredited: National accreditation not only ensures superior quality, but also means that graduates are eligible for federal student aid programs, should they decide to further their education.
      • Skills-Based, Career-Focused Curriculum: Builds the skills that students will need to succeed in further vocational training.
      • Flexible, Online Access: With 24/7 availability of online courses.
      • Better Outcomes than the GED: The curriculum is based on a master proficiency training model with better results than the GED.
      • Transfer Credits: Students can transfer in all previously earned courses in order to maximize their time and workforce board resources.

      Featured Partners

      • National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB)
      • The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
      • KinexusCareerSource Suncoast
      • ResCareAppalachian Regional Commission
      • Jobs for the Future
      • San Bernardino WFB
      • Arapahoe/Douglas Works
      • Leon Weiner Foundation
      • Southeast Los Angeles WDB
      • Ohio Means Jobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga County</li

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      Career Tracks
      • Child Care and Education (CDA)
      • Certified Protection Officer
      • Introduction to Commercial Driving
      • Home Care Professional
      • Hospitality and Leisure
      • Office Management
      • Homeland Security
      • Retail Customer Service
      • Food and Hospitality
      • General Career Preparation
      • Introduction to Manufacturing
  • Non-Profit Organizations
    • Enable the People You Serve to Gain a High School Education that Prepares them for Employment
      Smart Horizons Career Online Education offers an Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited online high school diploma program that prepares students for entrance into the workplace or postsecondary career training programs. The program engages high school dropouts back into the educational system, creating real-world opportunities for them. By partnering with Smart Horizons Career Online Education, non-profit organizations can make a real impact in the lives of those they serve.

      Benefits of the Program

      The program combines a high-support/proficiency-based learning model with the convenience of an anytime-anywhere online learning platform, and interactive content that engages adult learners and helps them achieve their educational goals.

      • Cognia/SACS/NCANWAC Accredited: Not only does it ensure the highest quality, but accreditation also means that graduates are eligible for federal student aid programs and can pursue additional education if desired.
      • Better Outcomes than the GED: The curriculum is based on a master proficiency training model with better results than the GED.
      • Students Graduate “Ready for Work”: In addition to career coursework, students complete a Career Portfolio, which includes resumes, cover letters, and other important documents to aid them in career advancement.
      Program Highlights
      • A skills-based, career-focused curriculum that builds the skills that students will need to obtain and succeed in jobs
      • Individualized support from academic coaches, certified teachers, and onsite facilitators
      • Optional onsite Learning Lab—the program can be offered exclusively online or with an onsite “learning lab” providing access to computers, resources, and teaching support
      • Credit transferability—students can transfer in all previously earned courses in order to earn their diplomas as quickly as possible
       
      • Featured Partners
      • Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
      • Appalachian Regional Commission
      • Jobs for the Future
      • Project Hope Alliance
      • Children’s Home Society of South Florida
      • National Urban League
      • Jack & Jill Centers
      • Palmetto Association for Children & Families
      • All Nations Refugee and Immigrant Services
  • Correctional Institutions
    • High-Security, Internet-Based High School with Proven Results for REENTRY Programs
      As the nation’s first and only online secondary program for corrections, our program offers a performance-based, teacher-guided program to help low education-level students earn a high school diploma and entry-level workforce readiness certificate. The program gives teachers the tools to prepare students for post-release employment, encouraging successful reentry into their communities.

      Smart Horizons Career Online Education currently operates the first and only online secondary programs offered in correctional institutions in the United States, and is the official provider of online education for prisons in the State of Florida. Wardens in the Florida Department of Corrections have praised the program for preparing incarcerated persons for reentry into society. Our programs help correctional institutions increase their high school graduation rates through alternative, career-focused high school diploma programs designed for incarcerated adults, with the ultimate goal of reducing recidivism rates.

      Highlights of our corrections programs:
      • Proven Success Rates: 6 times more successful than GED programs for inmates with TABE scores of 5th-9th grade
      • High-Level Security: End-point security software installed on inmate workstations and network firewalls restricts those incarcerated to the courseware—they cannot browse the Internet. The measures have proven entirely effective with zero breaches to date
      • Over 70 academic and career-based, online semester courses
      • A career-focused curriculum focused on preparing inmates for post-release employment—students graduate with both an Cognia/SACS/NWA/NWAC accredited high school diploma and a certification in a career area
      • Time and monetary savings—those incarcerated can often earn an accredited high school diploma in less time than it would take them to prepare for and pass the GED, saving the institution money and classroom space with no security risk
      • Training and support for corrections staff
      • A track record of success with graduation rates
      Why does it work?
      • Subject-Matter Mastery vs. Seat Time: Students advance only after mastering the current assignment and are guided to spend more time in areas requiring additional attention.
      • Individual Pacing: Performance-based instruction builds subject mastery at each student’s pace—not an instructor’s or group’s pace.
      • Support: Students receive academic interventions through the institution’s onsite academic teachers, in addition to working with the school’s academic coaches and certified instructors as needed.
      • Targeted Feedback: Specific, instant electronic feedback at regular intervals tells students exactly what they need to work on.
      • Research-Based: The computer-assisted instruction approach is based on decades of research by leading scientists and U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Education and the Department of Defense.

      This approach has proven effective with individuals who were unsuccessful in traditional academic environments. The program is based on the belief that all students can learn when provided with conditions appropriate to their situation.

      Download a Correctional Brochure.

      • Featured Partners
      • Florida Department of Corrections
      • Central FL Reception Center
      • Franklin CI
      • Lowell Annex
      • Madison CI
      • Martin CI
      • Mayo CI Annex
      • Okeechobee CI
      • Baker CI
      • Everglades CI
      • Polk CI
      • Wakulla CI
      • Santa Rosa CI
      • Gulf CI
      • Jefferson CI
      • Taylor CI Annex

       View Our Brochure

Our Partners Include