In our inaugural Stride for Hope 5K & Homecoming Festival, we’re running in support of adult learners who are working to change their lives and transform themselves and their communities by offering education and career training that creates direct pathways to economic mobility.
Many adults rely on economic mobility not just for advancement, but for survival. In the face of a strained job market, rising cost of living, and broader economic downturns, too many individuals are struggling to meet basic needs. Education—by expanding knowledge, strengthening confidence, and opening pathways to opportunity—serves as a critical foundation for long-term financial stability and growth.
Take Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) learner Dewitt S. Dewitt has spent decades as an Information Technology (IT) professional. Working since he was 16, Dewitt eventually progressed in the industry to become a Tier 3 Technician for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs— the highest level of IT support within an organization. After years in the role, Dewitt unexpectedly lost his job.
“I was out of work for seven months. I became deterred, stressed out.”
Dewitt had never been out of work before and was unsure of his next steps. It felt like he had to start over. But when he learned that AoH offered FREE pathways to earn industry-recognized CompTIA certifications, he felt he’d been given another chance.
“Instead of me sitting around the house moping about not working, I was able to come, at least go online for class every night. That distracted me enough to ease my mind…”
Due to his prior experience, Dewitt was able to pass the CompTIA Tech+ level and work towards the A+ certification. While he had earned a lifetime A+ certification with Microsoft decades ago, the material required for that certification is considered outdated.
In the CompTIA A+ program, Dewitt is participating in an intensive 10-month session broken into two, five-month “Core” sections focusing on hardware, cloud computing, networking technology, operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. The content of the course is more of a refresher for Dewitt, but he says he’s “learned a lot more than I thought.”
Being back in class and improving his knowledge impacted Dewitt’s outlook on life. Director of Career and Workforce Services Mary Cabriele contributed to it, as well.
“Mary energized me and gave me the courage to say, ‘Hey, you can do anything you want to do. If you just put your mind to it, we’ll give you the tools to do it.’”
Dewitt became more optimistic about his situation, motivating him to research and apply for jobs again until he found his current position as a Tier 2 Technician at Nu Axis Innovations—a subcontractor for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The job has since helped him get back on his feet.
Working long hours and attending evening classes at AOH equate to 16-hour days for Dewitt. Some days are more challenging than others. Yet, Dewitt keeps pushing. He is committed to earning his A+ certification, higher-level certifications in cybersecurity, and even an associate’s degree.
With his education, he plans to find a role with higher responsibility that matches his skill set. Doing so will provide financial stability and ease his anxieties.
By participating in the Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival, you support learners actively transforming their lives through adult education— just like Dewitt. Your participation helps us continue to provide high-quality education to those in academic and workforce pathways, and shows learners that their community believes in them.