On April 25, we welcomed learners, alumni, families, staff, volunteers, and friends of Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School to our inaugural Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival at Anacostia Park. The day was filled with energy, connection, and purpose— all in support of adult learners in Washington, D.C.
We kicked-off the day with close to 100 runners for our 3.1-mile race along the banks of the Anacostia River. A quick stretch and warm-up led by District Running Collective prepared racers before heading to the start line. Every mile completed and every cheer from the sidelines reflected a shared commitment to education as a public good and to the belief that learning changes lives.
After the race, the Homecoming Festival welcomed the community for a full day of celebration. AoH CEO Lecester Johnson opened the festival with remarks underscoring the transformative power of adult education. The festival offered a family-friendly atmosphere with activities, food vendors, live performances, and open enrollment for interested adults to learn more and sign-up for the high school or workforce programs we offer.
On the mainstage, guests members enjoyed special performances and panel discussions. On the musical side, singer Whitney Chantel opened festival activities followed by poetic performances from AoH learners, highlighting their personal experiences. Later, rapper SEVEN energized the crowd for festival headliner and D.C. ‘s very own, BLACK ALLEY BAND— who brought the celebration to a memorable close.
Guests heard from AoH voices during the event’s panel series: AoH In Conversation. The series featured two panels, ““Finding Your Way Forward: The AoH Experience,” featuring AoH adult learners and AoH staff, and “DC’s Tech Talent Pipeline, Powered by Partnership,” with AoH CEO Lecester Johnson, one of Accenture’s Cyber Security division managing directors, Danny Dawes, and AoH workforce alumni. Speakers emphasized the AoH experience— highlighting the courage it takes to go back to school and follow your dreams while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
We are grateful to everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, donated, and participated in the Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival. A special thank you to our leading sponsors, Sibley Memorial Hospital and the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation (JBRF), and our supporting event sponsors for investing in adult education. All contributions not only made our inaugural event a success, but supported the AoH mission to empower adult learners through free education, workforce training, and wrap-around services.