On Sept. 14-18, Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) recognized National Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week—a nationwide celebration of the millions of adults improving their lives through education.
AEFL Week recognizes the vital role adult education plays in helping individuals earn a high school credential, improve English language skills, prepare for college and careers, gain workforce credentials, and support their families through economic mobility.
To celebrate, AoH held and attended different events. Learn more about the festivities below:
COABE Leadership Visit
On Sept. 16, AoH had the pleasure of hosting the Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE) leadership at our Ward 8 and Sycamore Campuses.
The coalition toured the facilities, supervised classes, and learned more about our academic and workforce training programs and wraparound services offered. COABE also spoke with AoH learners and alumni, listening to their testimonies about the impact adult education made in their lives.
In particular, COABE met with AoH GED alum DeMarco O., who discussed how the college dual-enrollment and the Hope Forward alumni programs gave him the skills, credits, and confidence he needed to achieve his academic and career goals. Today, DeMarco continues to work towards his bachelor’s degree while serving as the Director of Compliance and Risk Management at a local property management firm.
Flood the Hill
AoH attended the National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education’s (NAFTAE) Flood the Hill advocacy event.
There, AoH learners, alongside several adult learners across the country, participated in a legislative breakfast, briefing, and meetings on Capitol Hill, highlighting how adult education strengthens communities, builds the city’s workforce, and creates direct pathways towards economic mobility. Learners met with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), the District of Columbia’s congressional delegate, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), requesting more resources for digital literacy, special education, and workforce development opportunities to help adult learners advance their careers and futures.
The experience provided learners an opportunity to share their experiences, learn about the legislative process, advocate for adult education, and participate directly in civic engagement. AoH participates in Flood the Hill annually.
Adult Education Hero Awards
In honor of AEFL Week, the Elevation Educational Consulting Group (EECG)— alongside the National Coalition for Literacy—hosted the Adult Education Hero Awards, honoring four outstanding adult educators. AoH’s Ward 8 Campus Teacher Janet Agyaben received the Adult Education Teacher Hero Award.
The recognition honors an adult education practitioner with three or more years of teaching experience who has exhibited excellent instruction and tailors learning to meet students’ unique needs. Janet goes above and beyond to help adult learners improve their understanding by connecting complex concepts to daily life scenarios and hosting weekend bootcamps.
Conclusion
This year’s AEFL Week events reflected the power of adult education and reinforced the importance of continued investment in adult learners. From advocating on Capitol Hill to celebrating outstanding educators and learner success stories, AoH showcased the opportunities education creates.
As we reflect on this week, we remain committed to providing high-quality adult education and workforce training, empowering adult learners with the skills and support they need to achieve their academic and career goals. We see adult education as the greatest lever for generational change—from building wealth and stability to strengthening communities for all.