Annual Report 2006-07 | Page 4

A. Mission Statement Since 1970, the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School (Carlos Rosario), the first adult public charter school in the nation, has provided educational and other services to Washington, DC, adult immigrants, and in 1998 the school’s Harvard Street site opened its doors. During the 37 years Carlos Rosario has offered a full complement of programs and services to its students, the school has been guided by the following mission: to provide education that prepares the diverse adult immigrant population of Washington, DC, to become invested, productive citizens and members of the American society who ultimately give back to family and community. The school will accomplish this through excellence in teaching and learning in partnership with the community and by fostering a safe and compassionate learning environment. The Carlos Rosario School Mission at Work Determined to make a better life for himself, Marko Montañez came to this country from Peru with basic English skills. While working as a security guard, he enrolled in both GED and ESL classes at Carlos Rosario and, after just one semester, excelled in his language studies and earned his GED. After completing these studies, Marko enrolled in the school’s Computer Support Specialist Program, and, with the help of the school’s Career Specialist, he was hired at Acción International as an IT professional. Lea Maria Zepeda-Carrera began studying at Carlos Rosario School in 2004 in Level 1. In June 2007, Lea graduated from Level 8. In the spring, she was also admitted into The Art Institute of Washington, DC, and was attending classes at both institutions while continuing to work full time. The Art Institute awarded Lea with a $14,000 scholarship. In addition, at this year’s Carlos Rosario Recognition Ceremony, she was awarded a $250 Scholarship by Jay Haddock and Hector Torres and of the St. James Hotel. Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, Annual Report SY 2006-2007 -3-