Mesa County Libraries now offer two options for Mesa County residents who want to complete their high-school education: a GED preparation program and Career Online High School.
The new GED preparation program at Mesa County Libraries is currently enrolling students who wish to complete their high-school equivalency. Assessments are scheduled for Dec. 10 and 11 for enrollment in classes starting in January 2019.
Students who complete the GED preparation program can receive a General Education Diploma (GED) upon successful completion of the GED test. Students who successfully finish the Career Online High School program will receive a high-school diploma. Completion of high-school education is crucial for anyone to compete in today’s job market or to enroll in higher education.
“Mesa County Libraries are thrilled to offer two options for community residents who need to complete their high-school education,” said James Price, head of Literacy Services for Mesa County Libraries. “According to census data, about 10 percent of adults in Mesa County do not have a high-school diploma or its equivalent. We urge interested residents to take advantage of these programs through the library.”
Both programs are offered to local residents at no charge, although GED students are responsible for fees associated with the subject tests at the end of instruction.
The GED Preparation Program
Mesa County Libraries are offering the GED preparation program through an Adult Education and Family Literacy Act grant. The grant funds the program at a level of $100,000 per year, which has enabled the library to hire three part-time instructors dedicated to GED classes and to provide instructional materials for students. The current grant lasts through June 2020.
Students admitted to the GED program are required to attend six hours of classes each week at the Central Library. The classes focus on one section of the GED exam at a time: Reading through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical Reasoning.
Classes are small — up to 12 students — so each student has an opportunity to receive individual attention.
Prospective GED students take an assessment (upcoming assessments are scheduled for Dec. 10 and 11 at the Central Library in downtown Grand Junction) that helps instructors determine the student’s skill level. Students then fill out some basic paperwork and are asked to commit to attend GED classes for six hours per week.
For student convenience, GED classes are offered mornings and evenings at the Central Library.
There is no time limit to complete a GED, but new students are asked to remain in the program for at least four months.
The GED program is well-suited to students who will benefit from a structured program that offers the ability to work with a teacher and peers in an in-class setting.
For information about the upcoming GED assessments on Dec. 10 and 11 and to register for the assessments, please call the Mesa County Libraries Literacy Center at 970-683-2443. There is no charge for the initial assessments or the GED classes.
Career Online High School
Career Online High School (COHS), offered through Mesa County Libraries, is an entirely self-paced high-school program that offers motivated students the opportunity to earn a diploma from an accredited high school and career certification in one of eight fields.
Prospective COHS students must have access to a computer because the classes are taken online. Students must also complete a self-assessment, a prerequisite course, and an in-person interview in order to enroll.
Once they are admitted to the program, students have 18 months to successfully complete the coursework required for graduation. They may work at their own pace and will have an academic coach available for assistance via phone and email.
There is no charge to students who enroll in COHS.
For more information
Mesa County residents interested in completing high school using either the GED or COHS option are invited to call the Mesa County Libraries Literacy Center at 970-683-2443. Literacy Center staff can help students decide which option is best for their particular situation.
Prospective students must be 16 years of age or older, be residents of Mesa County, and have a library card from Mesa County Libraries.