Lecester Johnson

Academy of Hope's mission is to provide high quality education and services that change lives and improve our communities. Academy of Hope was founded in 1985 by two teachers who believed that education could empower those most marginalized in Washington, D.C. It was clear that people trapped in the cycle of poverty lacked basic reading, writing and math skills, and they needed to acquire jobs that paid living wages. Today, one in five adults in the district lacks a high school diploma, and one in three adults cannot read a newspaper or a map, much less complete a job application. The need for adult education programs is still great. Academy of Hope is considered one of the most successful programs of its kind. Students become part of a learning community where everyone is valued, adds value and is both a teacher and a learner. Our curriculum is experiential and focuses on life skills, which means that students can immediately begin applying what they’re learning to their own lives—and reap the benefits. We provide outstanding training for teachers, tutors and volunteers, which results in better understanding of adult-learner needs and creative approaches to helping them meet educational goals. We offer a flexible schedule, providing classes in the mornings and evenings, because we know that adult learners juggle many family and work responsibilities. We allow students to take as much time as they need to learn and integrate instructional material. Because we know that learning happens in the greater context of a person’s life, we provide supportive services to students so that they can focus on learning.