BOSTON, MA - August 8, 2024 - On Saturday, August 3,the Boston Public Library (BPL) proudly hosted its first graduation reception for the Excel Adult High School program graduates. The event, held in the McKim Exhibition Hall at the Central Library in Copley Square, marked a significant milestone for five of this year’s graduates, who attended with their families and friends. To date, the program has graduated 31 students.
Through the Excel Adult High School program, adult library cardholders aged 19 and above can earn a high school diploma online for free. This initiative highlights BPL's dedication to empowering patrons of all ages with the tools they need for personal and professional development and its commitment to lifelong learning, offering a range of resources for adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals.
The graduates, dressed in caps and gowns provided by the BPL, were honored for their dedication and hard work. BPL President David Leonard, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for Youth Engagement and Advancement Pedro Cruz, and BPL Manager of Community Learning Jessica Elias delivered inspiring remarks, celebrating the achievements and perseverance of the graduates.
“Dedicated to the advancement of learning, the BPL recognizes that an equitable society is only possible when everyone has access to opportunities, and education makes this possible,” said BPL President David Leonard. “We at the BPL hope to be your partner in whatever path you take, offering learning, a home away from home, and access to amazing staff who bring it all to life.”
The event was also attended by members of the BPL Workforce Development Team and representatives from Gale, the educational company behind the online platform for the Excel Adult High School program.
A generous $50,000 donation to the Boston Public Library Fund (BPLF) has been instrumental in supporting scholarships for the program, ensuring there is no cost to students and making this memorable occasion possible.
For more information about the Excel Adult High School program and other educational resources offered by the Boston Public Library, please visit bpl.org/adult-education-certification/.
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ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large, free municipal library in the United States; the first public library to lend books; the first to have a branch library; and the first to have a children’s room.
The Boston Public Library of today is a robust system that includes the Central Library in Copley Square, 25 neighborhood branches, the Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center, the Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center, and an archival center, offering public access to world-class special collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and prints, along with rich digital content and online services.
The Boston Public Library serves nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. All of its programs and exhibitions are free to all and open to the public. The Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu. To learn more, visit bpl.org.
