This past fall, 20 Academy of Hope (AoH) learners earned their high school diploma through GED (13) and National External Diploma Program (NEDP)(7) pathways. Learners were able to receive all credits needed to finish their high school education to join the class of 2026.
NEDP allows learners to complete their diploma by using work and life experiences to demonstrate high-school level skills. The program allows learners to work at their own pace, with the assistant of their assessor.
Read the following NEDP graduate bios below to learn more about the program and their accomplishments:
Chimtuwa A.
The “can-do” attitude is what motivated Chimtuwa to finish the NEDP program strong.
In 2009, Chimtuwa was a student in Nigeria preparing to continue her studies in Ukraine. A horrific accident on her way to the airport, which left her wheelchair bound, sidelined that dream. A doctor brought her to the United States, where she would undergo numerous surgeries until her final surgery in 2014. She thought her dreams of becoming a registered pediatric nurse were over.
In September 2021, a friend told her about AoH.
“Academy of Hope got me back on track because I was discouraged. I felt like my dreams were over, but when I saw my friend, who had a stroke, determination, it made me feel like there was hope. I thought if she could do it, I could still achieve my dream too,” said Chimtuwa.
Chimtuwa joined the NEDP program in January 2024. She says that she credits a lot of people for her success at Academy of Hope.
“When I first started, I needed so much help,” she said. “I had trouble using the computer. I was the last one to understand the reading assignments and math, but the teachers kept pushing me and working with me.”
Now with her diploma in hand, Chimtuwa plans to enroll in a nursing program to become a registered pediatric nurse. Her advice is to never give up.
Michelle H.
Michelle had tried to earn her diploma in the past, but life responsibilities got in the way. This time, she returned with determination— and she followed through. Even through difficulties and setbacks, she continued forward. Her persistence is a reminder of the strength it takes to come back and finish what you started.
“Don’t give up. Believe me, life happened for me through my journey, but I fought, and you can do the same. Don’t give up no matter what!”
She draws inspiration from her mother, who raised her despite having only a sixth-grade education. Her mom always wanted her to finish high school— and she made that dream a reality.
Now that she has her diploma, she plans to continue her development by pursuing a trade.
Jasmine W.
Persistence and determination motivated learner Jasmine to complete her coursework and earn her high school diploma through the NEDP program.
Jasmine, a single mother of one, joined NEDP in April 2025. She draws inspiration from her son and her father, who was recently paralyzed after a workplace accident. Their strength and resilience fueled her commitment to education.
She first learned about NEDP while working at a clinic near Briya Public Charter School. An employee there asked if she was interested in enrolling in the school’s medical assistance program. At that moment, Jasmine realized that earning a high school diploma was essential for her to grow professionally.
With her diploma in hand, Jasmine now plans to enroll in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at the University of the District of Columbia in January 2026. She is determined to build a career in healthcare and provide a brighter future for her family.
Sharetta H.
Southeast D.C. native Sharetta enrolled in AoH in April 2023, inspired by her son.
“When he faced a difficult final year of high school, we made a pact: if he finished, I would go back and earn my diploma. His gift of a graduation photo teddy bear, meant for my future photo, solidified my commitment not just to him, but also to myself.”
Her primary challenge was a fear of math, but she never gave up. She “experienced moments of frustration and tears, [but] the encouraging words and support from” her advisor, Elizabeth Early, and assessor, Dawn Williams, kept her going on her journey.
Sharetta’s advice for future AoH learners is: “Never give up. No matter your age, pursue your diploma. I have witnessed firsthand how its absence can hinder you in life. I got knocked down by life, but I always got back up swinging. Always remember the truth in the saying, ‘nothing in life beats a failure but a try.’”
She plans to continue her education and use her diploma as a stepping stone to more opportunities and to continue inspiring her son and making her family proud.
Congratulations Graduates!
We’re beyond proud of AoH learners for this achievement! Their stories are a testament to their hard work and dedication towards their academic and career goals, and prove that it is never too late to learn. Thank you to our high school team, as well, for providing high-quality education to propel AoH learners towards success.
Interested in becoming a high school graduate? Learn more about the FREE programs we offer and enroll TODAY.