[HOUSTON, TX. FEBRUARY 27, 2026] -- Harris County Commissioners Court on Thursday passed a resolution recognizing Harris County Public Library’s Career Online High School (COHS) and celebrating the program’s Class of 2025. The resolution, spearheaded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and adopted unanimously by the full Commissioners Court, recognizes the Career Online High School Class of 2025 and celebrates “their perseverance and commitment to personal and professional growth.”
“Of all the wonderful events we host, the Career Online High School graduation ceremonies are among the most inspiring,” said HCPL Executive Director Edward Melton. “The visible and well-earned pride of the graduates—and the joy of their families—never fails to move anyone who attends. I’m grateful to the Commissioners for helping us celebrate these graduates and raise awareness about this life-changing program.”
About Career Online High School
Career Online High School, offered in partnership with Smart Horizons Career Online Education, provides adults with the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate in a high-demand field. Since the program’s inception in 2020, 118 Harris County residents have earned diplomas.
While 118 graduates may seem modest at first glance, the impact is substantial. Each new high school graduate generates an estimated $292,000 in lifetime savings to taxpayers through reduced reliance on social services, decreased crime and public health costs, and increased tax revenue. Multiplied across 118 graduates, that represents more than $34 million in community savings—on an investment of just over $290,000.
Designed to be completed entirely online, the COHS curriculum allows students to progress at a pace that accommodates work schedules, family obligations, and other responsibilities. In addition to receiving support from Smart Horizons academic coaches, students are paired with HCPL branch literacy coordinators who provide encouragement, connect them with library resources, and help ensure continued success beyond graduation—building a lifelong relationship with the library.
Pathways to Success at HCPL
Career Online High School is one part of a broader network of HCPL programs designed to create educational and career pathways for all Harris County residents.
Growing Readers
A school readiness initiative for children from infancy to age five, Growing Readers helps young children build the skills they need to become strong readers and learners. Through Talk, Sing, Read, Write, and Play, the program makes fun and games the building blocks of early literacy.
Family Place Libraries™
All HCPL branches are designated Family Place Libraries™, featuring specially trained staff and thoughtfully designed spaces. The initiative recognizes that good health, early learning, parental involvement, and supportive communities are critical to a child’s development. Family Place also offers workshops and resources for parents and caregivers.
FutureU Career and College Counseling
FutureU guides teens and adults toward brighter futures through college preparation, career guidance, and self-discovery.
Adult Literacy Tutoring
HCPL’s adult literacy program supports adults who speak English well but want to strengthen their reading and writing skills. Students and trained volunteer tutors meet one-on-one at branch libraries throughout the system.
All programs are offered free of charge.
The Resolution
WHEREAS, the Harris County Public Library fulfills its mission to enrich lives by providing adult learners with a flexible, online pathway to earn an accredited high school diploma and a career certificate; and
WHEREAS, this program empowers students—many of whom are parents balancing work and family—through a robust support system featuring Smart Horizons academic coaches and dedicated branch literacy coordinators; and
WHEREAS, since its 2020 inception, the initiative has successfully graduated 118 residents, significantly boosting the local economy by generating an estimated $292,000 in lifetime savings per graduate; and
WHEREAS, the program ensures long-term economic stability by offering continued guidance through FutureU college and career counseling, fostering a lifelong relationship between the library and the community;
NOW, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Harris County Commissioners Court recognizes the Career Online High School Class of 2025, celebrating their perseverance and commitment to personal and professional growth.