C.H.O.I.C.E. (Children Having Opportunities In Changing Environments) is a non-profit community-based organization within the District of Columbia that provides academic and workforce development services to youth and families residing specifically in the District.  Since its inception, C.H.O.I.C.E. has operated as an efficient and vital educational service provider for youths both in schools and within the communities.  Shortly after receiving its non-profit status in the fall of 2003, the organizations began providing services in the Southeast, Washington D.C. community of Barry Farm Public Housing community.  During its first year in operation, C.H.O.I.C.E. served forty (40) youth in the areas of academic assistance, truancy prevention, and workforce development.

This educational institution was founded in 1993 as a vision and a dream.  In 2003, C.H.O.I.C.E.  was incorporated as a daytime suspension program for youth with short-term suspensions.  After five (5) years of service, the vision expanded into something different and unique.  C.H.O.I.C.E. structured its program for young people who are aging out of school, disconnectd for one or more years, repeating their current grade for the second time, or cannot meet the requirements to graduate. C.H.O.I.C.E. has serviced youth in other communities throughoug the city of Washington, D.C.-Woodland Terrace, Parkland, Trinidad, Chopper City and others are to name a few. 

The non-conventional academic approach that CHOICE has instituted over the past several years has included technology.  We have found that the youths are motivated to learn when they are working at their own pace on a computer.  The youth have shared that the problem with traditional schools is that there are not enough opportunities for them to access technology.  The CHOICE academic program is 100% online.  Youth can work at a pace that is most comfortable for them, while they progress towards obtaining their high school diplomas.  Students with low academic skills will be able to access additional 1:1 or small group instruction from CHOICE’s staff and/or partners. 

The online nationally recognized curriculum that will be used is Penn Foster.  This online high school curriculum is nationally recognized and CHOICE has been a partner with Penn Foster for the past several years. 

C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. now have an after graduation career development plan in place for all graduating students.  We give our students opportunity to decide what career track they are interested in going in.  We assist with creating a realist and achievable career path that allow them to change as needed.
Once students has obtained their high school diploma CHOICE will assist each student individually with creating the career of their choice.  We will work with them 3- 6 months or 6 months into their commitment date following graduation. 

Each student will receive all items listed below:

• Resume'
• Students will be able to college prep testing Accuplacer for Montgomery College,
• 20 Hours of interview prep
• 10 Online application
• 20 Hours of field interviews
• 4 College tours Montgomery College, Garrett College, and scheduled college’s in Florida
• 4 Interviews with local Entry-level companies (Comcast, Pepco, Jiffy Lube, and others to come)
• 4 Interviews and testing for classroom training for certifications

We are looking to expand and open additional satellite sites reaching more youth and parents at the community level, while empowering our families to build safe and stronger communities. C.H.O.I.C.E. will continue to reach as many youth and parents as we can, giving thiem the opportunity to achieve better as they strive for the best.