Community College Preparatory Academy is an educational institution focused on preparing adult students for success in community college, college-level courses, and career industry competencies. The academy offers six pathways to academic and national certification, as well as Wellness and Career Services, providing a comprehensive educational experience. We are dedicated to providing educational services for adults and helping them to achieve their academic goals and career
opportunities.
“I started the application for an Adult Charter School when I realized that I was Dean for Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning in a Community College where 95% of the students who came from ‘East of River’ were never going to finish. They needed a bridge to post-secondary Education and Training.” This was the response that the founding Executive Director, Connie Spinner, gave when asked why she started Community College Preparatory Academy Public Charter School (CC Prep). Washington, DC is the nation’s capital and one of four knowledge-based economies in the nation. It has the largest proportions of residents with a Bachelors or better. It is also a city where 37% of its residents are ‘functionally illiterate.’ Bridging The Gap to employment for those residents requires more than high school completion. These folks must be both college and career ready. CC Prep was started in 2013 as a blended learning, secondary bridge program for adults who needed a high school diploma, college readiness skills and / or workforce skills necessary to compete in DC’s constantly changing workforce skills environment. In other words, CC Prep has to create individuals with the capacity to be lifelong learners. As the demands of the workforce environment change, CC Prep has changed and will continue to do so in order to make the best use of education as a tool to support workforce development in the 21st century
The following assumptions undergird our goals, outcomes and performance measures:
Online learning is a critical component of our educational delivery system Since we intend to create lifelong learners for the 21st century, it is critically important that our students are comfortable with the Internet and cloud-based software as a primary modality for learning and assessment.
All students will be introduced to “programs of study” Rather than isolated classes, all instruction in the individual educational plan for students will be designed to lead to either advanced certification or initial degree completion (i.e., Associate level degrees). Students will require supports beyond academics CC Prep is purposely building relationships with other Community Based Organizations, District agencies and potential employers to ensure that students develop and learn how to use a network of support for problem solving.
The programs of study will be rigorous and challenging At least fifteen hours weekly of student “time on task” will be required to meet the expectations of an average educational plan.
Formal relationships will be required to meet student needs CC Prep will not be able to provide the range of social service, child care and related needs and therefore staff will have to reach out to a range of partners to provide comprehensive, supportive referral services.
Time and energy will be required to cultivate potential employers Both staff and leadership will have to work together with employers and the DC Department of Employment Services to develop and maintain positive opportunities for both Co- ops and initial employment.
All workforce certifications will lead to a career pathway requiring additional postsecondary education While we fully expect that the combination of academic knowledge enhancement in reading, mathematics and writing combined with a national certification will support entry level employment, students will also be counseled to encourage continuance in their program of study for advanced certification through the Community College.
Connie Vannessa Spinner
At Community College Preparatory Academy, we believe in empowering our students to achieve their academic and professional goals. We offer a range of academic pathways, led by our team of accomplished facilitators, student support specialists and interventionists. We also provide comprehensive support services through our Wellness and Career Services. Our graduates are highly qualified and sought after in their respective fields.
By signing up to attend Community College Preparatory Academy, you are joining a supportive and innovative adult learning community designed to help DC residents re-engage with education, earn credentials like the GED, build in-demand career skills in fields such as healthcare and technology, and gain the confidence, resources, and preparation needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market, succeed in higher education, and fully participate in the social and economic opportunities of Washington, DC.
Student Success Specialists
We believe in the power of collaborative learning. Our academic pathways are designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork, and our Student Success Specialists collaborate with the Learning Facilitator and the Interventionist to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Qualified Instructors
We are committed to providing our students with the best possible education, and that starts with our accomplished Learning Facilitator. Our Learning Facilitators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our academic pathways, and are dedicated to
helping our students achieve their full potential.
Intervention Support
At Community College Preparatory Academy, we understand that our students have busy lives and varied schedules. That’s why we offer flexible learning options, including online and evening classes, to ensure that our students can achieve their academic
goals on their own terms.
Career Services
We believe in preparing our students for success in their chosen careers. Our Career Services offers a range of resources, including resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance, to help our students achieve their professional goals.
Wellness
At Community College Preparatory Academy, we take a comprehensive approach to education, providing our students with the support services they need to succeed. Our Well U offers a range of resources, including wholesome foods, at Connie’s Kitchen, career and casual makeovers for career events to include for use at college fairs, job interviews, and day to day living; and outreach counseling and support services to help our students manage life’s challenges as they achieve their goals.