Nineteen San Diegans are celebrating a milestone, thanks to a free program at the San Diego Public Library (SDPL).

These adults received their high school diplomas last week, in a ceremony at San Diego Central Library honoring the 2024 and 2025 graduates of the Adult High School Diploma Program.

Marking 10 years since the program’s launch in 2015, friends and families cheered as graduates crossed the stage in Neil Morgan Auditorium and were recognized as having successfully completed their high school careers. Adult High School Diploma Program graduates now have an accredited high school diploma and can continue their education, expand their career opportunities or apply to enter the military.

“It is a privilege to help San Diegans achieve their personal and professional goals,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “Providing educational and professional opportunities for our citizens is significantly important to the Public Library system. The Adult High School Diploma Program is an investment in our city and enables San Diegans to achieve the life they envision.”

SDPL offers two high school diploma programs.

Students enrolled in Career Online High School have 18 months to complete their high school diploma coursework and can also earn a certificate in one of 10 high-demand career fields. Gale Excel High Schoolallows students 24 months to complete the program and offers 40 elective courses in addition to the core subjects for high school study.

Since 2015, the Adult High School Diploma Program has awarded hundreds of San Diegans with a high school diploma. The program is designed to be accessible and affordable — all course materials are available online with 24/7 access to accommodate busy schedules. Laptops can be borrowed after enrolling and being awarded a scholarship.

People who wish to participate in the program can begin the registration process on the Adult Education webpage. Registration is open to those who reside in or work for the City of San Diego and are age 19 or older.

To learn more about events at the San Diego Central Library, visit sandiegolibrary.org.

(Courtesy photo)