About Us

 

The Academy of Hope was founded in 1985 by two teachers who believed that education could empower those most marginalized in Washington, D.C. It was clear that people trapped in the cycle of poverty lacked basic reading, writing and math skills, and they needed to acquire jobs that paid living wages.

Today, one in five adults in the district lacks a high school diploma, and one in three adults cannot read a newspaper or a map, much less complete a job application. The need for adult education programs is still great.

Click here or the picture for a short introduction to Academy of Hope 

The Academy of Hope Difference

Academy of Hope is considered one of the most successful programs of its kind. Students become part of a learning community where everyone is valued, adds value and is both a teacher and a learner. Our curriculum is experiential and focuses on life skills, which means that students can immediately begin applying what they’re learning to their own lives—and reap the benefits.

• We provide outstanding training for teachers, tutors and volunteers, which results in better understanding of adult-learner needs and creative approaches to helping them meet educational goals.
• We offer a flexible schedule, providing classes in the mornings and evenings (in Ward 5), because we know that adult learners juggle many family and work responsibilities. Currently, our Ward 8 site only offers morning classes.
• We allow students to take as much time as they need to learn and integrate instructional material.  Because we know that learning happens in the greater context of a person’s life, we provide supportive services to students so that they can focus on learning.

Our students and our broader impact

We serve highly motivated adults who:

• Need academic skills and training for employment or a promotion on the job
• Have limited  financial resources and access to quality educational and training programs
• Are interested in transforming their lives by earning a high school diploma or increasing their skills to secure living wage jobs

As our adult learners improve their skills, the benefits reach beyond each individual to their families, employers and the larger community.  Studies show that children of parents who have not completed high school are much more likely to drop out of high school themselves. As parents increase their literacy, they are much more likely to become involved in their children’s education and are better equipped to provide financial stability for their families. Meet some of our graduates here!

Financials

FY2011 Audited Financial Documents

FY2010 Audited Financial Documents

FY2009 Audited Financial Documents