ANNUAL REPORT 2022–2023 & 2023–2024
ANNUAL REPORT 2022–2023 & 2023–2024
50 years of TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION
4,090
STUDENTS
115
Scholarship Winners
$190,926
In scholarship funds
1,101
assisted with obtaining health care coverage
Message from the
CEO & Board Chair
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This past year marked a historic milestone—50 years of transformative education at Carlos Rosario School. While our official anniversary coincided with the challenges of the pandemic, this year offered a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate our legacy in grand style. More importantly, it was a moment to reflect on the profound impact our school community has made over five decades.
At the heart of our success are the remarkable adult learners we serve. Their resilience, determination, and pursuit of opportunity continue to inspire us daily. Equally essential is the unwavering support from you—our allies, friends, and partners—who have championed our mission at every step.
Together, we celebrated en comunidad, embracing the spirit of Carlos Rosario School. Throughout the year, we reunited students, alumni, staff, our founder, the Board of Trustees, and the broader community through special events. We shared the powerful stories of alumni like Pedro, Hypolite, and Bersabe—stories that illustrate the transformative power of education. Students collaborated to create photo collages spanning five decades of memories, now proudly displayed in our halls.
One of the most inspiring moments of the year was our Achieving the Dream Gala, where we raised over $350,000 to support scholarships and essential student services. Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our ambitious goal, securing over $1 million to amplify our impact.
Your Generosity is Already Transforming Lives
- Over $856,000 was invested in Chromebooks and internet access, ensuring students can fully engage in their education, whether in classrooms or at home.
- Awarded 115 Achieving the Dream scholarships, providing critical financial support for learners continuing their education. These scholarships, along with expanded long-term support, are helping alumni navigate college and career pathways. A number of recipients are now pursuing degrees at institutions like Georgetown University and master’s programs in fields such as accounting and cybersecurity.
- More than $7,100 in emergency funds helped students remain in school despite unexpected hardships.
- Our impact now reaches beyond D.C., supporting dozens of learners from Maryland and Virginia through citizenship preparation and small business training programs.
- Through partnerships with industry leaders like Google, we are pioneering innovative programs such as the Digital Navigator initiative, where IT graduates help onboard new students—creating a sustainable cycle of support.
As we continue the 2024-2025 school year with over 2,100 learners from 78 countries, our commitment remains steadfast: to pave wide and accessible pathways to opportunity. The momentum from our 50th anniversary continues to propel us forward, ensuring that more learners have access to transformative education and career pathways.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we will continue to empower learners, strengthen communities, and build a brighter future.
In service,
Allison R. Kokkoros
CEO
Hector J. Torres
Board Chair
Chef Bersabe
enrolled at the Carlos Rosario School in our GED in Spanish class, then attended ESL classes and the Culinary Arts Training program. Recently, she got a promotion to Executive Sous Chef in her Michelin Star restaurant El Cielo Washington D.C.
Vladimir
just achieved a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
2 YEARS
at a glance
4090
students
115
Scholarship Winners
$190,926
in scholarship funds awarded
2,528
Internet-enabled devices
distributed to students
1101
students and community
members assisted with
obtaining health care coverage
3,982
SmartBenefit cards and 430
Kids Ride Free provided
to students
Our Top Program Enrollment
1,981
students
SY 2022-2023
2,109
students
SY 2023-2024
22-23
23-24ESL
1,581
1,744
GED
157
182
Technology Essentials
128
131
Career Training
90
77
Gender
Age
Income Level
Ethnicity of Student Body
Length of U.S. Residency
MISSION
The Carlos Rosario School delivers high-quality education, career training, and supportive services that enable adult immigrants to realize their dreams while strengthening our community and economy
Level of Education
SY 2022-2023
SY 2023-2024
Carlos Rosario School
Board of Trustees
Hector J. Torres
Chair
Yeshimebeth T. Belay
Member
Cesar Lopez-Morales
Member
Robbie Dean
Vice-Chair / Treasurer
Giovanni A. Delfino
Member
Ingrid Toledo
Member
Ana Mejia
Secretary
John Goodman
Member
Larry Villegas
Member
Alejandra Barrera
Member
Allison R. Kokkoros
Ex-Officio Member
Vilma Rosario
Member
Johan Uvin
Member
Honorary Members Emeritus
Jane García • Alberto Gómez • Sonia Gutiérrez • Pedro Luján✝
Student/Alumni Stories
Meet Didier
Meet Didier
From Dreams to a Career in IT
When Didier arrived in Washington, DC, life was full of uncertainty. Like many adult learners, he faced numerous challenges but remained determined to build a better future. That determination led him to Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School—a place that changed everything.
At Carlos Rosario School, Didier found not just a school but a supportive community. In Fall 2023, he joined the IT Fundamentals program with instructor Mr. Eddy, marking the start of a new chapter. For the first time, a clear career path emerged. “Thanks to the school, Didier earned his first IT certificate at no cost—something he couldn’t have afforded otherwise,” Mr. Eddy shared. With financial support and resources, Didier was able to focus on learning without worrying about financial pressures.
But it wasn’t just about academics. The instructors, staff, and fellow students at Carlos Rosario School provided encouragement and practical support every step of the way. From job interview preparation to resume building and internship placements, the school ensured that Didier was ready for the real world. Even after graduation, the support continued, helping him stay on track in his career journey.
After completing the IT Fundamentals program, with his CompTIA ITF+ Certification, Didier advanced to Per Scholas, where he earned a Google IT Support Specialist certificate and an A+ certification. As a class speaker, he reflected on his journey and set his sights on an ambitious goal: becoming a Data and Cybersecurity Analyst. Today, Didier is pursuing self-paced courses and preparing to earn his Security+ certification—a step closer to achieving his dream.
For Didier, this journey isn’t just about personal success—it’s about giving back. Inspired by the mission of Carlos Rosario School to empower adult learners through education and career training, he is committed to helping others realize their potential.
“One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of communication,” Didier explained. “Life can get in the way, but at Carlos Rosario School, the instructors were always ready to listen and support me. They reminded me that challenges don’t define us—it’s how we respond to them that matters.”
Today, Didier stands as a proud example of what’s possible with determination and the right support. They are building a brighter future in the IT field and inspiring others to do the same.
“Carlos Rosario School didn’t just give me an education—they gave me the tools to succeed in life,” he said. “Thank you to the School and everyone who supports its mission. Together, we’re building a stronger community and helping more people achieve their dreams.”
Didier’s story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and community. Carlos Rosario School is proud to be part of his journey and continues to empower students like him to transform their lives.
List of Donors
Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School
Statements of Financial Position
We are a school
Community
Where
Students are at the center
of our work
Excellence permeates and all are committed to lifelong learning
Learning, teaching, and leadership are shared across the school community
All feel empowered to own their destiny
