The 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.