The fear of “being too old” is a common interruption of someone’s educational journey. Many adult learners think they’re past the age of learning, or that they won’t keep up with their younger classmates.
To prevent these anxieties, Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School creates a welcoming environment for all adults over 18 and is home to many learners over 50. AoH learners are enrolled in high school diploma and/or workforce pathways.
AoH learner Ronald H. is 62 years old and originally left high school at 15. As the oldest child of a single parent, Ronald prioritized working over his education to help support his family. He joined the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, kickstarting his 15-year career in building maintenance.
After serving as a maintenance worker, Ronald advanced his career by earning his Journeyman Electrician certification. Almost a decade later, he expanded his skillset further by earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with hazmat, tanker, passenger, and motorcycle endorsements, qualifications he still holds today.
Despite the variety of credentials and careers, Ronald didn’t feel satisfied. It wasn’t until he was recovering from a motorcycle accident that his wife would encourage him to seize the time given to him to discover a career path he was passionate about. He learned about AI Engineering and was interested in building drones and robots. But before he could learn more about the field, he had to earn his high school diploma.
Eager to start immediately, Ronald searched for high school diploma programs offered in the summer. He called different schools until he found AoH. He enrolled in the GED program in 2023.
Returning to school would have its challenges. Ronald had a difficult time in math, a subject he learned wasn’t his strong suit while earning his Journeyman. He also felt like he couldn’t digest information as quickly as his classmates. Instead of giving up, Ronald persevered and transitioned into the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).
NEDP allows Ronald to work towards his high school diploma on an individual basis by drawing on skills from his personal experiences. Through NEDP, Ronald feels more comfortable and confident. Watching his classmates from the GED program graduate and his grandfather— who earned his high school diploma at 63— motivates him to keep pushing towards the finish line.
His resilience and positive attitude would influence Chief Academic Officer Dr. Michael Durant to invite Ronald as a Student Board Member of AoH’s Board of Directors. On the board, Ronald presented learner questions and concerns, and possible solutions. So far, his voice has led to the installation of a bike rack outside of Ward 5, and has helped him improve his communications and problem solving skills.
And he is inclined to do more and help more people. Once he earns his high school diploma, Ronald plans to enroll at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and in a workforce program at AoH to begin his career as an AI Engineer. He also wants to learn how to weld and blow glass. With these new abilities, Ronald dreams of building a durable underwater drone to assist his marine biologist daughter with her research.
Ronald is excited to enhance his career. But most importantly, he is proud of himself for his journey and for setting an example for generations of Hensons to come.