Key Initiatives

Creating a world where all adults have the resources, support, and opportunities to achieve their potentials.

The Academy of Hope Foundation’s key initiatives help to empower adult learners by providing comprehensive support for their educational journeys, creating expansive opportunities for career development, and harnessing the power of technology to make education accessible for all.

Hope Forward

Hope Forward is an initiative of the Academy of Hope Foundation created to ensure that graduates of Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School continue to progress towards their educational and career goals. Once an adult learner earns their high school credential or completes a workforce program, they become part of Hope Forward. Below is a list of programs and supports available to AoH Alumni through Hope Forward.

Career Counseling and Guidance

We work with academic and workforce graduates to identify their long-term career aspirations, unique skills, strengths, and abilities and to assist them with mapping out a plan to achieve their goals.

Job Placement

Job Placement Specialists work closely with workforce program graduates to secure employment in a field for which they have.

College Transition

College navigators support learners to identify and apply to college and career training leading to Advanced Certifications, Associates or Bachelor’s degrees.

Graduate Follow-Up

The Foundation will work closely with school staff to conduct comprehensive follow-up studies of all learners who exit AoH via graduation or stopping out. These studies will align the school’s former Biennial Graduate Survey with NRS follow-up calls and PCSB’s required follow-up .

Graduate Mentorship

Learners are paired with volunteer mentors to assist them along their career and education journey.

Alumni Network

All graduates become a part of the Use Hope Forward to build an alumni program that keep individuals connected and engaged with AoH. Alumni can also receive leadership training.

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Distance Learning Program

We’re thrilled to introduce the distance learning program, which expands the impact of Academy of Hope’s world-class curriculum beyond the District of Columbia. Our new pilot initiative invites adults outside of D.C. to enroll in our educational programs, opening the door for up to 30 non-DC residents to achieve their high school credentials. From beginning literacy to adult basic education (ABE) and GED preparation, we’re dedicated to leveraging our resources to empower and uplift more adult learners than ever before.

*The distance learning program will launch in 2024. To sign up for in-person programs, visit the Academy of Hope Charter School website.

Program Structure

Dedicated faculty will provide live online instruction twice a week, ensuring every learner stays connected and engaged. On non-instructional days there will be virtual homework and assignments. We ensure each learner is placed appropriately and measure progress effectively after 70-100 hours of instruction. This tailored approach empowers each learner, providing insights on academic gains and charting a clear path towards earning their high school diploma.

Technology and Internet Access

Learners will need a computer and internet access to participate. The pilot will provide laptops and hotspots to access the internet. Learners will also participate in one week in orientation and a week-long bootcamp to orient learners to the technology they will be using during the course.

Duration

Online courses will operate in 6–10-week sessions until learners are ready to take and pass the GED exam. Depending on each learner’s starting point, this can take as little as six months or as long as two years. However, we’re committed to making sure that each student is able to reach their ultimate goal, no matter the pace.