JEFFERSON CITY — Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is pleased to announce that the Missouri State Library, a division within his office, will partner with Gale, part of the Cengage Group, to offer adult residents in Missouri the opportunity to earn a high school diploma through participating libraries in the state.
The state library has subscribed to Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, an online accredited diploma completion program. The program is designed to help adults who have aged out of the traditional educational system to obtain their high school diploma. The Missouri State Library is the first state agency in the nation to pilot the program to communities.
“This program gives individuals the opportunity to advance their education to better archive career goals by setting the stage for future workforce advancement and economic growth,” said State Librarian Robin Westphal.
The program is currently available to all public libraries in the state. Each library can determine their participation. Current libraries offering the program include:
Brentwood Public Library
Daniel Boone Regional Library
Kansas City Public Library
Mid-Continent Public Library
Rolling Hills consolidated Library
St. Charles City County Library
St. Joseph Public Library
St. Louis County Library
St. Louis Public Library
“A Library is a place where communities can gather and find a world of resources and opportunity,” said Secretary Ashcroft. “We’re excited to be the first state library system in the country to offer Excel Adult High School.”
Patrons aged 18 years and older can apply for the program. Once accepted and enrolled, students have 24 months to finish the program and can complete it sooner by transferring previously earned high school, GED, HiSET or TASC credits. Upon completion, students earn an accredited high school diploma.
There is no cost to students, enrollment is limited and requires a library card. Learn more at www.gale.com.