This blog post is by Niki G., Community Engagement librarian.
We're celebrating 200 graduates!
In 2016, Pima County Public Library partnered with the Career Online High School (COHS) program, giving adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma. Since then, the program has steadily grown, and as of now, the library is proud to share that more than 200 students have graduated through library sponsorship!
There are many different reasons why someone might leave high school before graduating. Some students need to work to help support their families, while others face challenges such as mental health concerns, learning differences, teen pregnancy, or unstable housing. For many, the decision to return to school comes years later, when circumstances and motivation align.
Our COHS students range in age from their mid-20s to their 50s. They often share their reasons for returning—whether it’s to set an example for their children, to pursue a new career path, or simply to complete a goal they set aside years ago. Each story is unique, but all reflect a commitment to moving forward.
The library is pleased to support these learners by making the COHS program accessible and by celebrating their achievements. Each spring, we host a formal graduation ceremony, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the past year’s graduates. It’s a meaningful way to acknowledge their accomplishments and the role education plays in building brighter futures.
We held our most recent graduation ceremony at Flowing Wells Library on February 21, 2026. Fifteen of the thirty-two 2025 COHS graduates attended the heart-warming and inspirational event. Former Sunnyside School Superintendent and current Deputy County Administrator Steve Holmes led the ceremony and formally recognized the graduates with diplomas.
Let's hear from a graduate!
My name is Cinthia. I am a proud mother of three boys and one girl. A few years ago, I arrived in this country, carrying with me the pride of my Mexican roots. Living far from my homeland and without a support network has not been easy. Reaching my personal goals while fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother and wife has been a great challenge.
Today, I am proud to say that I am a mother who graduated the Career Online High School Program with a career certificate in Child Care. I achieved my dream of completing my studies and working in a field that I truly love and feel passionate about. It was not an easy journey; many times, I felt like giving up, but I learned that perseverance always pays off.
I want to share this message with all mothers: we also have dreams and personal goals. We deserve to fight for ourselves. I encourage you to believe in your abilities, to never give up, and to overcome every challenge that comes your way.
Thanks to Smart Horizons (shcoe.org), I was able to keep dreaming even in difficult circumstances. Even when I had no internet access in my area, I received the support I needed to continue. They were a fundamental part of my personal growth.
My invitation to you is clear: dare to take the challenge, dare to dream, and dare to achieve your goals. You can do it.
Mi nombre es Cinthia, soy madre de tres niños y una niña. Hace algunos años llegué a este país, orgullosa de mis raíces mexicanas. No ha sido fácil vivir lejos de mi tierra y sin una red de apoyo. Alcanzar mis sueños personales mientras cumplía con las responsabilidades de ser mamá y esposa ha sido un gran reto.
Hoy, me enorgullece decir que soy madre y que me gradué del programa Career Online High School con un certificado profesional en cuidado infantil. Cumplí mi sueño,terminar mis estudios y poder trabajar en lo que me gusta y apasiona. No fue sencillo, muchas veces estuve a punto de renunciar, pero aprendí que la perseverancia siempre vale la pena.
Nosotras también tenemos sueños y metas personales. Merecemos luchar por nosotras mismas. Las invito a creer en ustedes, a no rendirse y a superar cada reto que se presente.
Gracias a Smart Horizons (shcoe.org) pude seguir soñando, aun en circunstancias difíciles. Incluso cuando no tenía acceso a internet en mi zona, recibí el apoyo necesario para continuar. Ellos fueron una gran parte de mi crecimiento personal.
Atrévanse a tomar el reto, atrévanse a soñar y a alcanzar sus metas. Ustedes pueden lograrlo.
