Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy, under the leadership of founder James H. Allen, recently announced in the wake of Hurricane Harvey that they have been approved to provide digital instruction to students who need to obtain their high school diploma, in addition to their traditional High School Diploma Program.
Accredited by Advanc-ED in 2013, Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy has been providing a Dropout Prevention/High School Diploma Program to students in the Greater Houston area that has made a remarkable difference in the community.
“From the family bread-winner to those seeking secondary education or career or technical choices, having a high school diploma is the first step in one’s path of self-actualization and efficacy,” said Allen. “One very important element of our program is that it’s not age-limited. We’ve had adults 25, 35, up to 55 years old return to complete the course requirements and obtain their high school diploma.”
In addition to helping citizens fulfill graduation requirements, the program expands their community’s tax base by raising the standard of living of their dropout population, reduces the health costs that everyone has to share, reduces the crime rate, reduces the drain on the public assistance program and increases voter participation.
Since 2001, Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has been educating and empowering learners to maximize their potentiality while inspiring them to develop a synergistic lifestyle.
“Many people feel that the system has failed them,” said Allen. “Making this project available substantially decreases the number of high school dropouts in our community and offers new hope to those who have felt that they have no way to better themselves.”
To this end, Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy plans to provide educational services:
- to those who have experienced personal hardships, defined as either: became dropouts as a result of personal or family illness, (2) pregnancy of learner, (3) having served court-ordered judgment, (4) who through necessity, had to find employment to take care of their family or (5) other extenuating circumstances
- to those who may have all their credits, but failed to pass the year-end examination
- to those who may need “credit recovery” classes to get back on track for graduation
- to those of countries outside the United States, who’s high school diploma is not recognized
This new project being offered by Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy has garnered support from the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi, Inc., the George Foundation, United Way and others.
Furthermore, Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy provides workforce development training that develops positive character and employable skills.
“We believe, as did Plato, that the purpose and ultimate value of education is not to stick thoughts into the pupil’s head, but to inspire them to think for themselves,” said Allen. “We are our brother’s keeper!”
If you are in need of your High School Diploma, or if you are an organization interested in collaborating with Knowledge-First Empowerment Academy on this project, please call 281-499-8315 and ask for Mr. James H. Allen.