Approximately 80% of persons in the Houston/Pasadena/Woodlands metro area have a high school diploma or above, while further information is required to determine the precise percentage of Houstonians aged 21 and older who do not have one. Therefore, almost one in five adults in the Greater Houston area do not have a high school diploma, according to data from CensusReporter.org for 2022.
The Houston Public Library (HPL) and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) wish to address the practical fiscal ramifications of that reality.
To enhance its Career Online High School Program, HPL was recently granted a $75,000 Special Projects Grant by TSLAC. In FY25, 40 additional participants will get scholarships from the grant, allowing persons 21 and older to complete an online approved diploma program.
Candidates must have passed a prerequisite course with a mark of at least 70% and have finished at least the eighth grade. Prospective students must complete a quick survey to ascertain their eligibility before applying. Scholarship funding applications must be submitted by December 30, 2024.
Mercedes Clarke, manager of the HPL Community Engagement Division, stated that students should not be burdened with additional expenses in order to finish their high school education. More students will be able to reach this goal and take advantage of additional possibilities thanks to these funds.
The potential to significantly raise their income is one of those opportunities.
In the third quarter of 2023, full-time employees aged 25 and older with all educational levels made a median weekly wage of $1,172, or about $61,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here is how different groups performed at that time:
- Those without a high school diploma: $721 median weekly earnings ($37,500/year)
- High school graduates with no college: $905 median weekly earnings ($47,100/year)
- Workers with some college or an associate degree: $1,012 median weekly earnings ($52,625/year)
- Workers with a bachelor s degree and no additional degree: $1,499 median weekly earnings ($78,000/year)
- Workers with an advanced degree: $1,864 median weekly earnings ($97,000/year)
The goal of HPL’s program and grant financing is to provide people with a head start on chances to increase their income.
TSLAC, which is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act, has given out more than 40 grants this year.
According to TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz, the organization is happy to acknowledge and encourage the vital work that Texas libraries do in providing cutting-edge information services that support regional employment, literacy, and digital opportunity initiatives.
Please call 832-393-1737 to speak with HPL’s community engagement and education staff about this initiative.
