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A 32-year-old woman who dreams of opening her own business recently earned her high school diploma through an accredited high school diploma program offered by the Livingston Parish Library.
Chelsea Blount became the library’s first graduate of its Excel Adult High School program, a fully accredited program designed to let an adult earn a real high school diploma entirely online. Through this program, adults can earn their diploma “at their own pace, while still managing work and family and everything else life asks of them,” according to Interim Library Director Scott Kleinpeter.
“This is not a shortcut, and this is not an equivalency test,” Kleinpeter said. “This is the full diploma, earned course by course.”
Blount thanked the library for helping her reach a long-time goal.
“The library offering this program is really good for the community, because libraries are pillars of the community,” Blount said. “They’re open for everyone no matter what. So offering this program to adults so they can earn their education on their own terms, I love that the library did this for me.”
The Livingston Parish Library is one of a handful of systems in Louisiana that offer Excel Adult High School, which the library offers free of charge to qualifying adults at least 25 years old. Through the program, students can complete the 21.5-credit curriculum entirely online, allowing for flexible scheduling and personalized support, including unlimited one-on-one tutoring sessions and support from success coaches. Additionally, course translations and read-aloud tools for English language learners are available.
The library held a graduation ceremony for Blount at its Main Branch in Livingston on Saturday, May 30. Lee Cline, the library’s adult literacy coordinator, called Blount’s determination to complete the program “truly inspiring.”
“What stands out most is the reason behind all of it: [Blount is] motivated by the future she wants for herself and for her son,” Cline said. “Most importantly, she’s showing her son what determination looks like. She’s showing him that it’s never too late to work toward your goals and build the future you want.”
Blount wants to continue her education by attending business school and eventually opening her own business centered around board games, movies, gaming consoles, and creating a fun space for people to enjoy together. Those dreams can now become reality, Blount said.
“I always want my son to see what hard work looks like so he has that spirit in him,” Blount said. “Even if it takes you longer than it takes other people, that’s okay.”