Contra Costa County Library will celebrate the graduation of three students who completed the Career Online High School program at a ceremony on Saturday, July 22 at the San Pablo Library. The ceremony will include awarding diplomas in front of friends, family, and guests including, Contra Costa Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey and a representative from Chair of the Board of Supervisors’ John Gioia’s office.
Career Online High School is a self-paced, accredited online high school diploma program for adults 19 and over, offered for free through the Library to cardholders in Contra Costa County. In addition to a high school diploma, graduates receive a career certificate in fields including education, childcare, food and hospitality, transportation services, and more.
Since launching the program in 2015, 12 adult learners have graduated from the program and moved on to post-secondary education or new careers.
This year’s graduating class includes Bay Point, Concord and Pittsburg residents.
“This program changes lives and we are very proud that the Library helps provide that opportunity,” said Deputy County Librarian Lynne Noone. “These graduates are now better prepared to succeed, and we are excited to see what they can accomplish.”
The Career Online High School application process includes an online self-assessment, a pre-requisite course, and an interview with a library staff member. After enrolling, students are paired with an academic coach, who offers ongoing guidance, evaluates performance, and connects students with the necessary resources to finish the courses. Students must complete the program within 18 months.
For more information, visit the Career Online High School website or email cohs@library.cccounty.us.
Funding for the graduation ceremony is provided by the Library Foundation of Contra Costa.
For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Brooke Converse at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us or (925) 329-8414.
About the Graduates
Earlinda L. Brown (39), from Pittsburg, started the program in January 2023. A friend, who is also a graduate of the program, referred her to COHS. She received her career certificate in office management. She is currently attending Los Medanos College in Pittsburg and is working on two AA degrees, in American sign language and liberal arts.
Mariela Ramirez (39), from Bay Point, started the program in August of 2021. She was encouraged to enroll in the program by her sister. She received her career certificate in home care and hopes to spend some time volunteering and continuing her education.
Miguel Zamora (46), from Concord, started the program in July 2022. He enrolled in the program to earn his high school diploma because he was tired of being held back from job opportunities that required one. He received his career certificate in commercial truck driving and is currently studying for his commercial truck driver’s test at the DMV. Miguel also plans to continue his education by taking classes at Diablo Valley College.
