Missy Forshee is the very first graduate of the new accredited high school diploma program for adults offered through the Chattanooga Public Library. Ms. Forshee will be presented with her official diploma by Mayor Andy Berke on Tuesday at 2 p.m. She will be celebrating at the library with her family and friends, including her daughter who is her motivation and inspiration to improve her life and earning potential.
The Chattanooga Public Library, in partnership with Gale / Cengage Learning, is now offering qualified candidates the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate through Career Online High School. This pilot program will allow adult learners to finish high school online while also receiving additional career training.
Ideal candidates are individuals who are looking to continue education, advance their career or enter the workforce.
Launched in January, the Chattanooga Public Library is awarding a total of 25 full scholarships to adult learners who qualify after completing the online self-assessment and prerequisite course followed by in person interviews.
The Chattanooga Public Library has 14 scholarships still available. Program info can be found at chattlibrary.org/cohs
Ms. Forshee completed the 11th grade and was motivated to earn her diploma so she can go to college, and also to set an example for her family and friends. When she was enrolled in school, she made the honor roll consistently, but she cared for her mom after her mom got sick, and then dropped out of high school.
Ms. Forshee chose the Office Management career track support that comes with COHS enrollment. She completed the Office Management prerequisite in about 13 days, with a score of 94 percent. She said she enjoyed that track because she used to work for her dad’s cleaning business, doing administration and office management duties like payroll.
Ms. Forshee was the 4th qualified candidate to enroll and receive a scholarship. She completed her academic and career coursework in two months. She loved the online learning environment because she learns best by reading. She would like to attend college to become an ultrasound technician. In two years, she sees herself in college while working at a job so she can support herself and her daughter. In 10 years, she sees herself with a professional career, hopefully as an ultrasound technician.