Become a Learner
Academy of Hope offers FREE programs to DC residents over the age of 18. Enroll today and begin your journey toward your education and career goals!
When: Saturday, April 25
Where: Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC 20020
Time: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us for our inaugural 5K Run/Walk in beautiful Anacostia Park! This family-friendly event brings together fitness, fun, and community while supporting Academy of Hope’s mission to empower adult learners in DC through education, career training, and life-changing support services.
More than just a run, the AoH 5K is a celebration of possibility. Every step you take helps adults in our community rewrite their stories through learning and growth.
Education is a public good. It uplifts entire communities, strengthens our workforce, and gives every person the chance to reach their potential. The funds raised from this event support programs that help adult learners build literacy skills, earn high-school credentials, and pursue new career pathways.
When you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger: a community effort to make lifelong learning accessible to all.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | 5K Check-In & Warm-Up |
| 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Stride for Hope 5K |
| 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Transition Zone: Music, snacks, vendor set-up, storytelling |
| 10:30 a.m. | Homecoming Festival |
| 11:30 a.m. | Main Stage: Vision 2030 Launch, AoH Awards |
| 12:00 p.m. | Main Stage: Musical Acts |
| 1:45 p.m. | Raffle & Closing |
| 4:30 p.m. | Event Concludes |
*Please register for the 5K above. No registration is required if you plan to attend only the Homecoming Festival.
Whether you’re building your first social impact initiative or expanding a long-standing commitment to education and workforce development, the Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival offers meaningful ways for companies of all sizes and sectors to engage.
We are thrilled to announce that Vendor Applications are NOW OPEN for Academy of Hope’s Inaugural 5K “Stride for Hope” & Homecoming Festival!
✅ Be a part of our milestone anniversary celebration (40 years and counting)
✅ Get brand exposure by connecting with AoH students, alumni, and the D.C. community.
✅ Complimentary Community Vendor Opportunities A limited number of complimentary vendor spaces are currently available to our local partners. Applications are subject to review, and notifications of acceptance will be distributed on or before April 1, 2026.
Space is Strictly Limited: Don’t wait— apply today to secure your spot!
Selection: Applications will be adjudicated by the Homecoming Committee.
Questions? Contact LaSonia King at lasonia@aohdc.org or Tomika Carter at tomika@aohdc.org.
Academy of Hope offers FREE programs to DC residents over the age of 18. Enroll today and begin your journey toward your education and career goals!