NORFOLK, VA – Graduation season is quickly approaching and Norfolk Public Library (NPL), along with Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL), will be among the first to welcome the newest high school graduates on Sunday, April 22 at 3PM.
Last September, NPL unveiled a new program, Career Online High School, offering qualified adult residents the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate. Within eight months, seven of the initial students fulfilled the requirements needed to receive their high school diplomas.
This Sunday, a special ceremony at Slover Library will recognize NPL’s graduates along with VBPL’s graduates with the traditional fanfare from Pomp & Circumstance and commencement address to the official conferring of diplomas.
“Life-long learning is a priority, not only for NPL, but for the City of Norfolk,” said Sonal Rastogi, Director of Norfolk Public Library. “We are thrilled to be a part of the journey for these students as they continue to seek new opportunities and transform their lives.”
Part of the world’s first accredited, private online school district, 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. Currently, more than 19,200 Norfolk residents over the age of 25 have less than a high school diploma or equivalent.
Norfolk Public Library awards scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers. Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an Academic Coach, who assists with developing an individual career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance, and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material. Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Coursework begins in one of eight high-growth, high-demand career fields (across a wide spectrum from child care and education to certified transportation), before progressing to the core academic subjects. Students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits, but are given up to 18 months to complete the program. Residents can learn more about Career Online High School at Norfolk Public Library or by visiting
norfolkpubliclibrary.org/cohs.