WISH LIST $100: 1 month of classes for 1 student; 1 year of seminars and workshops for graduates; $1500: comprehensive services for 1 student for 1 year (includes career counseling, IT, and student services)

At Academy of Hope, they know that knowledge is power. And the path to power is pretty straightforward: help adults acquire the basic skills and high school credentials that will lead to good jobs and a living wage. The results are impressive: 25% of entering students are unemployed or on public assistance, and 74% earn less than $15,000 a year; after graduation, only 1% remain on welfare, and over 77% go on to college, certificate programs, or vocational training. Some adult students earn a general education degree known as a GED, or a DC high school diploma acquired through a rigorous External Diploma Program that offers credit for life experiences. Others focus on Adult Basic Education, which offers real world skills in math, reading and writing, and computer courses in Word, Excel, and the use of the internet. Through a partnership with Literacy Volunteers of America, the Academy also provides basic education, right in the workplace: tutors work with support staff at the Veterans' Hospital and within various divisions of the DC government. At its new home in Ward 5, basic computer and career development classes have become part of each student’s schedule. In the past year alone, 23 Academy students passed the eight-hour GED exam or obtained their diplomas through the EDP program. Nearly 40 found a new job, received a promotion, or increased their earnings; 20 entered training programs or went on to post-secondary education; and countless others improved their basic skills. So hope is the operative word here: basic education means literacy, learning, jobs, and a living wage. Your generosity brings hope to those who need it.

Lecester Johnson, Executive Director 601 Edgewood Street NE, Suite 25 Washington, DC 20017 202-269-6623 www.aohdc.org