The Fairfax County Public Library has begun a new partnership with Career Online High School (COHS), an online high school diploma and workforce readiness certificate program, to provide adults 20 and older who have successfully completed 8th grade with a path to obtain their high school diploma.
This is not a GED (General Education Development) program. Successful graduates will earn a high school diploma and workforce readiness certificate through an accredited high school to show employers that they have special skills and training for the job. Certificates can be earned in the following areas:
General Career Preparation
Childcare and Education
Certified Protection Officer (Security Officer)
Office Management
Commercial Driving
Homeland Security
Retail Customer Service
Hospitality and Leisure
Home Care Professional
To apply, candidates must:
Be a Fairfax County resident
Be at least 20 years old
Have successfully completed the 8th grade
Have a full-service library card in good standing or be willing to apply for a library card
Have access to a computer and the internet
Applicants must complete a four-step process to qualify for the program:
Adults take a self-assessment at https://www.careeronlinehs.gale.com/vbpl/self-assessment/ to see if they meet the minimal requirements for entering and completing the program.
If adults pass the self-assessment, they will take pre-requisite classes.
If they score 70% or higher in the pre-req classes, the library will ask them to interview.
If the interview is successful, the library will award a scholarship.
When the scholarship is awarded, students will have 18 months to complete the program. Students should expect to dedicate 8 to 10 hours per week to their coursework. COHS has academic coaches and tutors who will work with each student to help keep them on track for success.
For more information and to apply, visit the Library COHS website or email LibCareerOnlineHS@fairfaxcounty.gov.