According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “43 million adults in the U.S. possess low literacy skills.” Of those 43 million, one in five adults in the D.C. struggle with basic reading.
Many factors influence illiteracy among D.C. adults, including socioeconomic disparities and social and environmental pressures, which lead to a lack of educational resources and opportunities.
Many adults face significant barriers to education—such as financial hardship, lack of access to resources, or life circumstances that require them to leave school early. Some already hold high school diplomas but are still working in low-wage jobs without clear pathways to advancement. For immigrant and parent learners, limited English proficiency or interrupted education can make it even harder to access opportunities, and research shows that a parent’s education is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s success.
At Academy of Hope Public Charter School, our mission is to provide high-quality adult education and career training that empowers learners to achieve their goals, create pathways to economic mobility, and build brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities. With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and programs like GED preparation, literacy, workforce training, and college readiness, we are helping more than 1,000 adult learners each year unlock their full potential.
As our community grows, so does the need for adult education. By supporting Academy of Hope, you help ensure that every adult in D.C. has the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to the strength of our city.