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Mountain View library highlights Career Online High School stipends for residents
Summary
Staff described an 18-month online diploma program available to Mountain View residents, including eligibility rules and a state stipend that pays $712 per enrolled month (up to $12,960 total); the library has awarded 10 stipends and recorded 15 alumni since 2022.
Julian, a Youth Bookmobile and Collections team member, briefed trustees on the Career Online High School (COHS) program and the local stipend partnership that helps residents complete an online state-awarded high-school diploma.
Julian described COHS as an 18‑month, state‑recognized diploma program (not a GED pathway) that offers ten primary career tracks and requires participants to live or work in Mountain View, be at least 19 years old, have completed eighth grade, and hold a Mountain View library card in good standing. Enrollment steps cited by Julian include a two‑week prerequisite module requiring a 70% passing score, followed by an interview conducted by library staff to assess readiness.
On funding, Julian said the state provides a limited number of stipends through the California State Library. Mountain View partners with Community Financial Resources (which provides stipend funding) and the Community Services Agency (which supplies academic advisors). Under the stipend arrangement he described, students receive $712 per month while enrolled; over an 18‑month enrollment that totals $12,960. Julian said Mountain View has distributed 10 stipends so far, produced 15 alumni since starting the local program in 2022, and has four current stipend recipients; the library is awaiting six additional stipends from the state in May.
Trustees asked about marketing and outreach to potential participants. Julian said promotion runs through the library website and the California State Library site; staff suggested stronger outreach through high-school counselors, community organizations, and city multicultural coordinators to reach residents who are less likely to visit the library.
Board members and staff framed COHS as a workforce-development fit with the city’s strategic priorities and emphasized that the stipend can make the time commitment feasible for working adults. No formal vote or policy change occurred at the April 20 meeting; staff will continue enrollment outreach and coordinate stipend availability with the state program.
