Academy of Hope Changes Lives

Photos of recent graduates greet all who pass through AoH's doors

Academy of Hope impacts the lives of over 400 adult learners a year. While we cannot pave the road to success, we empower our students with a quality education so that they have the tools and skills they need for the tough road ahead.  We foster in our students a common sense understanding that they must always commit to challenging their own status quo and become life-long learners.  As a result, 85% of our graduates have transformed their lives by leaving public assistance and going on to college or additional vocational training.

Meet AOH Alumni:
 

Michael Cola

“I had to drop out of school in the 10^th grade, because of a family reason. Throughout my life there were many different jobs. Some I liked and some I didn’t like. Some jobs were easy and some were hard, but all in all, I learned to keep my head up and do the best that I could.”

This “keep your head up” attitude defined Michael’s time as a student at Academy if Hope.  He was known by students and teachers alike to be warm and committed, often helping his fellow students, and was quickly elected to the Student Leadership Association.    

Michael’s persistence has paid off. Last fall he received a high school diploma through the EDP program.  He chose to stay at Academy of Hope, participating in the Pathways to College program, where he was able to conduct the research to write his first research paper, revise his resume, write scholarship essays, and complete the FAFSA application.  He will begin classes at University of the District of Columbia Community College this fall.  There he plans to earn an associates degree and enter the business field.