Today, most people no longer follow a single, straight career path.
Many Americans are changing careers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. According to a national AARP survey, most people switch careers for the first time at age 31 and may keep doing so as they continue their education.
Why are adults returning to school to master new skills for new careers? The AARP survey found that 23% of respondents were driven by economic mobility; they needed credentials to secure higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs to support themselves and their families.
This statistic is apparent in Washington, D.C. Enrollment in the District’s adult public charter schools is rapidly increasing, highlighting the growing demand for adult education. Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) is one of the nine, offering FREE high school diploma pathways and workforce development to adults in the District. AoH’s workforce programs provide training in in-demand industries, like healthcare and information technology, to help adults earn certifications and licensing for careers in those fields (i.e., Certified Nurse Aid (CNA)).
Are you one of the many adults in D.C. interested in changing their careers to transform their lives? Here’s how AoH can help:
Decide Which Career Path is Right for You
AoH offers a variety of workforce programs in the daytime and evening, including:
- Healthcare
- Nurse Aide Training (NAT for Certified Nurse Aid (CNA))
- Phlebotomy Technician Training (PTT)
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Information Technology
- IT Program Pathways (CompTIA Tech+, A+, Network+, Security+)
- Project Management (CAPM and PMP)
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Leasing for Property Management (CALP)
Training and certifications from each workforce program can open opportunities to different careers in each industry sector.
A high school diploma or qualifying progress towards a high school diploma is required to enroll in AoH’s workforce training. Adults looking to earn their high school diploma, as well, can explore AoH’s high school diploma pathways, such as the GED and National External Diploma Program (NEDP).
Not sure what career path is right for you? AoH’s Enrollment Team is available to walk learners through the programs and provide guidance to help adults pick what best aligns with their goals.
Enroll
If you are interested in enrolling in one of AoH’s workforce programs, you are encouraged to complete an Enrollment Interest Form. Once the form is submitted, a member of the AoH Enrollment Team will contact you to help with the enrollment process over the phone or in person.
All applicants must show proof of a Washington, DC, residency, and take the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) test and Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment. The CASAS test is a standardized test to evaluate basic and academic skills (reading, math) in adult learners. The Northstar exam measures one’s digital literacy. Each workforce program has a required CASAS and Northstar score you must meet to enroll in the program.
Receive Training and Obtain Certifications
AoH’s workforce instructors are equipped to teach and prepare you with the skills you need to take the exams to earn the industry-recognized certifications in their field. Nurse Aide Training (NAT) and PTT require lab and clinical hours to qualify for their licensure exams.
Once you pass your exam and earn your designated certification, you are qualified for employment opportunities in your new career field.
Update Resume and Find Employment
Add the credential to your resume to validate your skill set. Include any externships, leadership roles, or awards you acquired to make your resume stand out from other candidates. If you need assistance updating your resume or finding employment in your new field, AoH’s Employment Specialists are available to help. AoH has maintained relationships with workforce partners across the city to help adults find the job they want and need to transform their lives.
FAQs
How can I fit AoH into my schedule?
AoH accommodates various schedules by offering daytime and evening hours, and hybrid options for select courses.
Am I too old for AoH?
You are never too old to learn. AoH learners range from as young as 18 to as old as 85, making AoH a generational community. These learners have gone on to find success in post secondary education and their careers.
What if I don’t receive the required scores on the CASAS or Northstar tests?
If you do not receive the required CASAS or Northstar scores to enroll in a workforce program, an alternative option is to join AoH’s Workforce Academy. Workforce Academy focuses on building adults’ reading and math skills to prepare them for the workforce program of their choosing. Once you complete 75 hours of Workforce Academy, you will be automatically enrolled in your workforce program.
How does AoH support me after I complete my workforce training?
Once you finish your workforce training, you are eligible to join Hope Forward. Hope Forward is a 12-month graduate transition program designed to provide AoH alumni with personal and professional development while building a community that can relate to their journey. From time management to mock interviews, Hope Forward helps AoH alumni build the skills they need to be confident and comfortable in taking the next steps in their adventure.
AoH’s instructors, employment specialists, and mentors are also available to assist with any alumni needs.
Conclusion
Many Americans and DC residents are changing careers to follow their passion or transform their lives through economic mobility.
Ready to be one of them? Express your interest in an Academy of Hope program HERE.