St. Louis County Library Celebrates 2023 Adult High School Graduates

St. Louis County Library will celebrate the next class of adult high school graduates on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex, in the Mirowitz Performing Arts Center located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Graduates will wear traditional caps and gowns, and will celebrate their accomplishment with their families. Dr. Lynn Beckwith Jr., President of the St. Louis County Library Board of Trustees will give the commencement address. A valedictorian and salutatorian will also speak at the event.

Among the graduates taking part in the ceremony will be Shilpa Deshmukh, the 100th graduate from the program. Shilpa received her teaching degree in India, but needed U.S. education credentials to begin her career here. She said, "I was always interested in teaching which made me want to join this program and also want to improve my skills. This program has really helped me to gain the knowledge needed to start my career. Since I've finished my program, I would like to search for opportunities to get job experience."

The Excel Adult High School program offers adult learners over the age of 25 a second chance to earn a high school diploma, along with a career certificate, opening the door to new job opportunities. St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library began offering the program to area residents in 2017. To date, 102 individuals have completed the program at SLCL and received a degree.

The program’s flexibility has been appealing to many students; the coursework is completed online at the student’s own pace. SLCL has helped eliminate other barriers such as lack of access to a computer or internet access by providing each student with a Chromebook and Wi-Fi Hotspot.

St. Louis County Library Foundation provides scholarships to eligible students. Once enrolled, students are paired with an online academic coach, who provides the student with an individual career path and ongoing guidance. Students have up to 18 months to complete the program.

Career certification is available in one of 10 high growth fields including childcare and education, food and hospitality, and office management. In addition, students receive training on business writing and workplace etiquette, along with help creating cover letters and resumes.

Scholarships are currently available; interested students can apply at www.slcl.org/excel.

Media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer McBride, Communications Manager at 314-994-3300 ext 2250 or jmcbride@slcl.org.