National Library Week Proclamation and COHS Graduate
Mayor Scott Singer and Ba’Theicia Bennett
Boca Raton, FL – At the April 9 City Council meeting, Mayor Scott Singer presented a proclamation declaring April 7–13 National Library Week in Boca Raton. This national initiative highlights the valuable role that libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. Also at the meeting, Mayor Singer recognized Ba’Theicia Bennett as the first recipient of the library’s Career Online High School (COHS) program. COHS offers residents the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma along with a credentialed career certificate.
Be’Theicia was one of the first scholarship recipients and the first graduate of the library’s COHS program. She started the online program in September 2018 and completed it in February 2019. Since then, Be’Theicia has enrolled in college to pursue a career in education.
Recognized as the first accredited private online school district, COHS is specifically designed to re-engage adults, ages 19 and older, into the education system and prepare them for postsecondary career education or the workforce. To be considered for the program, applicants must complete an online self-assessment and in-person interview with library staff. Once enrolled, COHS pairs each student with an Academic Coach, and students are given up to 18 months to complete the program. Currently, the Boca Raton Public Library has seven students enrolled in the program with two students on track for graduation. Scholarships from the State of Florida are available for qualified learners who enroll in the COHS program. The enrollment period for BRPL’s COHS program ends May 1. The library hopes to offer program enrollment again in September 2019.
Visit www.myboca.us/1587/Career-
