This year at Academy of Hope (AoH) saw record-breaking milestones, thanks to AoH learners’ commitment to education and the ongoing dedication of our staff, volunteers, and donors to providing high-quality adult learning in the District of Columbia.
Join us in celebrating our accomplishments:
Decade Charter Renewal
In late 2024, we celebrated 10 years as an adult public charter school by renewing our contract with the DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB), followed by a proclamation from Mayor Muriel Bowser. In the proclamation, Bowser called AoH “an institution that makes all of us beam with D.C. pride”— a reaffirmation of our pledge to education and workforce training, and a fitting lead-in to our 40th anniversary in 2025.
Historical Graduation
On June 17, we proudly celebrated 164 graduates— the largest class in AoH history. The majority of graduates (118) completed industry-recognized certifications in in-demand fields like healthcare and IT. The remainder received their high school diploma, 33 learners from GED, and 17 from the National External Development Program (NEDP). 17 of those graduates dual-enrolled, earning college credits while earning their diploma.
This remarkable milestone reflects AoH’s rapid growth and commitment from our learners. Our graduates embody resilience, persevering through personal and socioeconomic challenges on their journey to achieve their academic and career goals.
New Career-Building Opportunities
With our partnership with PeopleShores, 21 AoH learners were hired into full-time cybersecurity apprenticeships at Accenture. These learners transitioned from the classroom to the workplace by utilizing their skills acquired during their studies at AoH, working on client projects in their desired IT field. All learners earn a starting salary of $60,000.
The addition of Accenture in the spring underscores AoH’s success in connecting adult learners to sought-after, higher-paying careers in the technology sector.
Enrollment Growth
AoH continues to see the need for adult education. In the 2024-25 school year, AoH enrolled 997 learners over the year, reaching a peak of 1,197 active learners at one point of the term. The significant growth and trust learners put in AoH programs persuaded the DCPCSB to raise our enrollment ceiling to 1,500 learners, allowing us to assist even more adults searching for high-quality education and to advance their careers.
Amplifying Voices for Adult Education
During the year, many learners, alumni, and staff participated in outreach campaigns, community events, and policy discussions to raise awareness for adult education and the critical role adult learners play in shaping a thriving community.
In the fall, learners attended Flood the Hill, a three-day advocacy event led by the Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE). Joining schools from across the country, learners and adults used tips from COABE’s advocacy workshop to effectively communicate how AoH has impacted their lives, then shared their stories directly with members of Congress to convince them to continue supporting and funding adult education programs.
Additionally, learners and staff testified before the D.C. Committee of the Whole, using their skills improved at Flood the Hill to amplify their voices on a local level.
Preparing for a New Year
As we celebrate our accomplishments, we’re excited to keep up the momentum in 2026. Let’s continue to work together to support adult education and to guarantee growth, resilience, and hope in the new year.
Want to get involved in this mission? Discover how you can help: https://aohdc.org/.