Adults who are interested in earning a high school diploma have a new online completion option through the Daniel Boone Regional Library. DBRL is joining libraries across Missouri to offer the Excel Adult High School (EAHS) program, an initiative of the Missouri State Library. EAHS is an accredited online high school that lets adults 18+ earn a diploma that is universally accepted at colleges and universities.
“Giving adult students another option to earn their high school diplomas fits into our lifelong learning mission at the library,” said Margaret Conroy, executive director of DBRL. “We readily agreed to participate in this new online high school completion program made available through a grant from the Missouri State Library.” This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
Applicants to EAHS must be age 18 and older, live in Boone or Callaway County (except those in Centralia who have their own library district), have completed the 8th grade, have a library card or be willing to get one, and have eight to 10 hours a week to dedicate to coursework. This online adult high school is not affiliated with the MERS Goodwill Excel Center in Columbia, an in-person public high school for adults.
“Thanks to funding we received from the Daniel Boone Regional Library Foundation and the Friends of the Callaway County Public Library, we are able to give eight students full scholarships to attend EAHS,” said Lauren Williams, adult services manager at DBRL. “The program is online and self-paced so adults can work it into their busy schedules. Excel Adult High School accepts transfer credits, which shortens the typical 24-month completion time.” The library hopes to increase the number of scholarships available in the future.
Each applicant will complete an online self–assessment and short prerequisite course, followed by an in-person interview to be considered for free enrollment. Once accepted, the students can begin their coursework immediately with support from online instructors and tutors. EAHS success coaches help students develop a graduation plan, so students know exactly what credits they need to graduate.
Learn more about this program on our website or call the Daniel Boone Regional Library at (573) 443-3161.