Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Cengage Partner to Offer Access to Accredited High School Diploma and Workforce Training

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas and BOSTON, July 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has partnered with Cengage to offer accredited high school diplomas and career certificates to prospective students and members of the community through Career Online High School (COHS). An estimated 20 percent of the Corpus Christi population 25 years of age and older lack a high school diploma.¹

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is the first university in the Texas A&M University System to offer COHS in an on-campus, hybrid learning lab model via a partnership with Coastal Compass and Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. COHS is designed to re-engage adults in the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education and better job opportunities.

"We are addressing the dropout concern within our community by offering a chance for out-of-school youth and adults to earn their accredited high school diploma and gain credentialed, real-world career skills," said Danell Reilly, Administrative Associate IV of A&M-Corpus Christi's Office of Community Outreach. "This partnership will help students build the skills they need to succeed."

Eligible residents may apply for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to cover the cost of the program. Once enrolled, each student is paired with an academic coach, who assists with developing an individual career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material. Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform.

"The majority of local jobs require a high school diploma and some type of post-secondary education," said Dr. Janet Cunningham, Executive Director of Citizens for Educational Excellence, which provides support for the Coastal Compass Center. "COHS is a great option for young adults who have dropped out of school to earn both."

"We are extremely excited to offer COHS through A&M-Corpus Christi," said Taryn McKenzie, Executive Director of Workforce Development at Cengage. "Through this partnership, residents can apply for federal funding to earn a high school diploma along with a workforce certificate to help reach their career aspirations."

In addition to an accredited high school diploma, graduates earn a credentialed career certificate in one of eight high-growth, high-demand career fields across a wide spectrum from child care and education to certified transportation. Students are able to complete the program in as few as eight months by transferring in previously earned high school credits.

For more information, visit: http://outreach.tamucc.edu/elearning/CareerOnlineHighSchool.html.

About Career Online High School
Career Online High School was developed in 2012 through a partnership by ed2go, a division of Cengage that provides students with online continuing education and career training, and Smart Horizons Career Online Education in an effort to provide affordable, career-based online education opportunities for the millions of adults in the United States without high school diplomas. Visit careeronlinehs.org for more information.

About Cengage
Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. The company serves the higher education, K-12, professional, library and workforce training markets worldwide. Cengage creates learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA with an office hub in San Francisco. Employees reside in nearly 40 countries with sales in more than 125 countries around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Offering more than 80 of the most popular degree programs in the state, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi has proudly provided a solid academic reputation, renowned faculty, and highly rated degree programs since 1947. The Island University has earned its spot as the premier, urban doctoral-granting institution in South Texas, supporting a UAS test site, two institutes and more than 40 research centers and labs. Discover your island at http://www.tamucc.edu/.

Media Contact:
Chloe Ryan, Cengage
952-457-7442, [email protected]

¹ http://statisticalatlas.com/place/Texas/Corpus-Christi/Educational-Attainment

SOURCE Cengage