In today’s fast-paced job market, having a high school diploma can significantly enhance your earning potential and overall quality of life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school graduates earn 25 percent more than those without a diploma. However, life circumstances can sometimes prevent individuals from completing their high school education.
In St. Louis County, Missouri, more than 57,000 individuals over the age of 25 do not have a high school diploma. To address this issue, the St. Louis County Library (SLCL) offers a program called Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, which allows adults to earn their high school diploma at no cost.
The program, which was launched in late 2017, has already seen 122 graduates. Thanks to funding from the library foundation, the program is offered free of charge to 50 applicants each year. Interested individuals can learn about the program through word of mouth or by attending events like graduation ceremonies. Applicants undergo a self-assessment and interview before beginning the program. They can receive credit for courses completed at other accredited high schools, homeschools, or portions of exams like the GED®, HiSET®, or TASC.
Students in the program have up to two years to complete their high school diploma and receive support from academic coaches, as well as assistance with career and college planning. They can choose from 40 high-interest electives related to growing industries such as science, technology, and healthcare. Additionally, the program offers work opportunities and apprenticeships to help participants gain valuable skills and experience.
One of the program’s success stories is Zemira Zigic, a Bosnian immigrant who came to the U.S. at the age of 17. Despite attending high school in Bosnia, Zemira did not receive her diploma due to the Bosnian War. After years of working various jobs, she enrolled in the Excel Adult High School program to pursue better career opportunities.
After completing the program in just one year, Zemira obtained her high school diploma and secured a higher-paying job. Encouraged by her success, she has urged others in her community, including her husband, to take advantage of the program. Zemira’s educational journey did not stop with her high school diploma – she went on to earn a Healthcare Certification from Washington University in St. Louis.
The Healthcare Certification program aims to prepare adult high school graduates for careers in healthcare, such as patient care techs and medical assistants. Zemira’s completion of the program has inspired others in her community to pursue further education and career advancement opportunities.
As the program continues to empower individuals like Zemira to achieve their educational and career goals, the St. Louis County Library hopes to help more adults in the community unlock their full potential. Through initiatives like the Excel Adult High School program, individuals who may have faced obstacles in the past can now access the resources and support needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
