Business Details
41 Years
experience
Free Adult Education Programs in D.C.
Academy Of Hope Adult Public Charter School has been dedicated to transforming lives through high-quality adult education since 1985. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve residents aged 18 and older, offering programs that help learners complete high school education, earn diplomas, prepare for college, and obtain career certifications. Our mission focuses on creating pathways to economic mobility by addressing systemic barriers such as racial inequity, economic hardship, and caregiving responsibilities. With over 1,000 graduates and 8,000 learners improving their skills since founding, we provide free daytime and evening programs in healthcare, IT, and professional development. Our supportive environment includes judgment-free staff, transportation stipends, and healthy food distribution. As a leader in advocacy, we secured $1.98 million in transportation assistance for adult learners and stable funding during the pandemic.Our values of community, acceptance, respect, empowerment, and service guide our commitment to equity and generational change. We partner with local organizations to expand access to education and job placement through the Academy Of Hope Foundation. Our flexible in-person and online options cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring accessibility for all residents. With a fourfold increase in learners since becoming a public charter school in 2014, we remain a grassroots-driven institution prioritizing Black and brown adult learners.
Services
GED Preparation
National External Diploma Program
College & Career Services
Certified Nursing Assistant Training
Phlebotomy Technician Training
CompTIA Certifications
Medical Billing & Coding
Project Management Program
Workforce Math Courses
Digital Literacy Training
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer free programs to D.C. residents with 40+ years of educational expertise
- Our career tracks include in-demand fields like healthcare and IT certifications
- We provide judgment-free support with transportation stipends and food assistance
- Our staff knows each student's background for personalized academic guidance
- We advocate for policy changes improving access to adult education equity
What people say
Life-changing programs
Supportive staff
Career advancement opportunities
Free education access
Personalized guidance
Services
GED Preparation
Our GED Academic Program develops critical thinking skills in social studies, science, math, and writing to help learners earn high school diplomas. Classes prepare students for the GED exam through comprehensive content knowledge instruction. This program creates pathways to higher education and better employment opportunities for adult learners.
Certified Nursing Assistant Training
This 5-month program combines 200 hours of classroom instruction with practical lab sessions to train nursing assistants. Students learn patient care skills under licensed professionals' supervision. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions in healthcare facilities across Washington D.C. with career advancement opportunities.
Phlebotomy Technician Training
Our Phlebotomy Technician Training equips students with blood-drawing procedures, patient care techniques, and equipment maintenance skills. The 5-month program includes 200 hours of hands-on laboratory practice. Graduates gain certification for careers in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories throughout the region.
CompTIA Certifications
We offer CompTIA certifications including A+, Network+, and Security+ programs that teach essential IT skills. Courses cover computer fundamentals, networking technology, cybersecurity, and operating systems. These industry-recognized credentials prepare learners for technology careers in Washington D.C.'s growing tech sector.
National External Diploma Program
NEDP allows self-directed adults to demonstrate reading, writing, math, and workforce readiness skills through real-life assessments. This competency-based program suits learners with basic computer familiarity. Graduates earn a local high school diploma recognized by employers and educational institutions.
People
Julius Martin
Dean of Admissions
Julius Martin leads admissions efforts at Academy Of Hope, connecting adult learners with educational opportunities. With extensive experience in adult education, he helps students navigate enrollment processes and academic pathways.
Jyoti Chowdhury
Media Contact
Jyoti Chowdhury serves as Academy Of Hope's media contact, managing public relations and communications. She shares the organization's impact stories and advocates for adult education initiatives in Washington D.C.
Katherine Shrout
Learning Support Specialist
Katherine Shrout provides specialized learning support for students at Academy Of Hope. She works with learners needing additional academic assistance to succeed in their educational goals.
Charles Thomas
Learning Support Specialist
Charles Thomas offers learning support services to Academy Of Hope students. He helps learners overcome academic challenges and develop effective study strategies for program success.
Traci German
Student Support Director
Traci German directs student support services at Academy Of Hope, including homelessness assistance and Title IX coordination. She ensures comprehensive support for learners facing various life challenges.
Questions
What programs does Academy of Hope offer?
We offer GED preparation, National External Diploma Program, College & Career Services, Certified Nursing Assistant training, Phlebotomy Technician Training, and CompTIA certifications in IT fields.
Are programs at Academy of Hope free?
Yes, all our academic and workforce training programs are completely free for Washington D.C. residents aged 18 and older.
What support services are available?
We provide transportation stipends, healthy food distribution, career counseling, resume workshops, and one-on-one tutoring to support student success.
How do I enroll in Academy of Hope programs?
Enrollment requires DC residency verification and CASAS testing. Applications can be completed online or in person at our Northeast or Southeast campus locations.
What are class schedules like?
We offer flexible daytime and evening classes both in-person and online to accommodate working adults' schedules across Washington D.C.
Does Academy of Hope help with job placement?
Our Career Services team provides job search assistance, resume building workshops, and connects graduates with employment opportunities in healthcare and technology fields.
