Clovis resident Rosa Lopez earned her diploma through Career Online High School offered by the Fresno County Public Library. Her graduation ceremony is Saturday, June 21. Photo via Fresno County Public Library

The Fresno County Public Library will hold a special ceremony Saturday, June 21, to celebrate the graduation of Clovis resident Rosa Lopez, who earned her diploma through Career Online High School.

Career Online High School offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma online, and also offers career certification in health care, childcare, retail and other in-demand fields.

The program is a public-private partnership offered through participating California public libraries and is free for eligible residents. Students are able to transfer their previously-earned high school credits and complete the program within 12 to 18 months.

To date, nine Fresno County residents have graduated from the Career Online High School program through the Fresno County Public Library. The first graduate from Fresno County Public Library completed the program in 2018.

Career Online High School was established in 2011, and is offered at 797 of California’s 1,127 public libraries at no cost to students. About 55% of students who enroll complete the program.

It is not a GED (General Educational Development) equivalency program — participants graduate with an actual high school diploma, which some colleges, institutions, and organizations require for enrollment over a GED.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 22% of Fresno County residents aged 25 and older lack a high school diploma, creating a challenging roadblock to college applications and further advancement in career opportunities.

The event, commemorated by Fresno County Public Library Director Sally Gomez, will take place this Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Betty Rodriguez Library located at 3040 N. Cedar Ave., in Fresno. The event is free to attend and will give the public an opportunity to learn more about the program, connect with staff members and hear directly from Lopez.

The Tulare County Library and Kings County Library also participate in the program.