Library offers scholarships for online high school diploma program

El Pasoans who never got a high school diploma are getting a second chance with a new program that allows adults to enroll in an online high school.

City council approved the program earlier this year and it is run by the El Paso Public Library.

Interim co-director, Margaret Neill, said there has been a lot of interest since the program started three weeks ago.

Nearly 40 residents have signed up to complete pre-requisites before the start of the program.

“Twenty-two percent of El Pasoans over the age of 18 do not have a high school diploma,” Neill said.

The El Paso Library is also offering scholarships for a limited number of students.

Diplomas are acquired through Career Online High School, an accredited program.

Those interested must have internet access or they can use computers at any library branch.

Potential students must be 19 years of age or older, have an el paso public library card, and be able to devote at least eight hours per week to course work.

Students are given 18 months to get their diploma, but students can complete the program in as little as five months if they have completed some high school.

To be awarded a scholarship, students need to complete a self-assessment, a two-week prerequisite course and an interview with library staff:

Currently, the classes are only available in English, but Spanish courses may be expected in the future.

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