Career Online High School
The California State Library is currently accepting applications from California public libraries to participate in the Career Online High School Program.
Please note that from July to September 10, 2021, the regular financial match expected from local libraries will be reduced. For libraries joining the program for the first time, scholarships will be provided on a 1:4 ratio; for each scholarship a new library purchases they will receive four additional scholarships. For libraries already participating in the program, scholarships will be provided on a 1:3 ratio; for each scholarship a currently participating library purchases, the State Library will provide three additional scholarships.
Career Online High Schools is an educational service offered by Smart Horizons Career Online Education, which offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate at the same time. In this program offered by the California State Library, libraries receive support to offer free COHS scholarships in their communities. Please see the project information and requirements below.
Application Process
Before you apply: Read the Project Information and Requirements document carefully.
Because you'll have to complete your online application in one session, we strongly suggest that you refer to the print version of the application and develop your answers before going online.
Application Deadlines for New Programs
- March 10, 2021
- June 10, 2021
- September 10, 2021
- December 10, 2021
Project information and requirements
Archived informational webinar for new applicants (November 28, 2018)
Each participating library receives:
- Career Online High School scholarships (libraries will request a specific number of scholarships and the State Library will allocate accordingly)
- Outreach materials and marketing support from Smart Horizons Career Online Education
- Intensive training and ongoing technical assistance
Selected libraries must provide:
- Staff time and expertise, to manage the COHS program at their libraries
- A matching scholarship/student enrollment for each scholarship funded by the State Library
- A program agreement form, signed by the library director.
We will consider a reduction in the matching scholarship requirement for your library, on a case-by-case basis. Factors that will be considered in granting reductions include: library size and per capita funding; high unemployment in service area; low educational attainment (i.e., number of people in service area with less than a high school diploma or equivalency); etc. Reductions can be requested as part of the online application process; you’ll be required to fund at least one scholarship.
Application for Additional Scholarships
Current programs can apply for additional scholarships four times per year. Deadlines are March 10, June 10, September 10, and December 10, 2021.
For further information, please contact:
Bev Schwartzberg
Library Programs Consultant
California State Library
beverly.schwartzberg@library.ca.gov