The Push for 40: Where are we now?

Those of you following along know that Academy of Hope is pushing for 40 graduates this year.  If you've been following us on Twitter or on the Push for 40 page, you may have noticed that we've been at 20 graduates for a while now.  So what's been going on? Have we given up hope?

The answers to these questions are, "a lot," and "of course we haven't!"

GED is the First Step for Latest Grad

"Doors were shutting in my face..." 

Troy Knight heard about Academy of Hope's GED program from a friend. He decided it was time to return to school while in the middle of an unsuccessful job-search, after learning that he would need a high-school credential to qualify for most apprenticeship programs. “Doors were shutting in my face…” he says.

“Oh, definitely…” Troy replies, when asked if any challenges outside of school had ever made progress difficult. “Personal issues,” and shifting employment and living arrangements all had to be overcome. He says that passing the test in the face of these challenges took much determination, and he gives credit to supportive family members and friends for helping along the way. Troy adds that Academy of Hope staff helped him stay persistent. He chuckles, recalling the many prodding phone calls made by staff-member Jessie Stadd (pictured above on right), urging him to apply for a D.C. ID, sign up for a test date, and get plenty of rest.

Now that he has passed the test Troy’s focus is on his next move, “I want to take it as far as I can take it,” he says, “the GED is a necessity for me, and now that I have it I’m planning on going to college.”

Troy (above-left) is the 16th Academy of Hope student to receive a high-school credential this year.  For more stories and insights follow our "Push for 40" graduates.  

On Track for Record number of Graduates

Pushing for 40

This year, as we celebrate our 25th year of existence, we have even more cause for celebration. We are projecting that 40 individuals will earn their high school credential by the end of our fiscal year.

Forty would be the largest number of graduates in any given year for Academy of Hope.  Approximately 21 adults earn their high school credential each year. Our largest number of graduates was in 1995 when 28 adult learners earned their high school credential.

To understand the significance of this accomplishment, one must first understand what it takes for an adult learner to earn a high school credential and what it takes for a small community based, adult learning center to make a difference: