Dwayne Jones, Sr., describes his career in adult education as “a love, a passion, a joy, and an excitement.” His fervent belief in empowering others has led to his success as a pioneer in adult education. He has formed and led countless initiatives to prepare young D.C. residents to be stable and contributing members of the local economy. Jones has spearheaded the strategic development of multiple apprenticeships and vocational training programs in the District, and has secured thousands of dollars in funding to support these programs over the years. He ensures that the programs he runs are as productive and self-sufficient as the graduates they produce.

Jones’s potential to inspire and motivate others was first tapped when he was a young man—a teenager, in fact. As a senior in high school, he was selected to be a student instructor, training and orienting 9th and 10th grade students in the vocational high school system. Upon graduation, the principal of his high school invited Jones to stay on as a vocational instructor in the D.C. Public Schools.

After several years working in the public school system, Jones joined the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) as the barber science teacher. He later became the director of postsecondary career and technical education at the Lorton Vocational Technical Education Program at the Lorton Correctional Institution in Virginia. Through Jones’s efforts, the barber science program was reinstituted at the Lorton Correctional Institution and was recognized as one of the best certificate programs in the Department of Corrections. Jones considers his time at Lorton to be among his most valuable and humbling experiences: “It gave me a broader appreciation for what I do, it gave me a respect for the potential of individuals who are incarcerated, and it gave me the joy of seeing over 140 inmates’ lives change over three years.”

In 2001 Jones began work to revitalize the Apprenticeship School at the University
of the District of Columbia. In partnership with colleagues at UDC and local businesses, he devised and implemented a certificate program to help D.C. residents meet the criteria for admission into apprenticeships and eventually gainful employment. Mindful of the need for postsecondary training for people who left high school prematurely, he implemented a five-year plan to address the need for postsecondary technical education in the District—a plan that ultimately led to the formation of the UDC Division of Postsecondary Career and Technical Education.

Jones is also involved in training and community development programs with seniors and children from unconventional homes, troubled teens, and the developmentally disabled. “The programs spearheaded by Mr. Jones help uplift District residents and let them see the true value in their accomplishments and contributions,” says his colleague, Mary N. Elliot.

Jones's nickname, “Mr. Be Encouraged,” reflects his inspiration, enthusiasm, and true commitment to his life’s work, creating new opportunities for D.C. residents and empowering individuals to be change agents in their own lives. “I love the name, because I believe in the depths of my heart that being encouraged is breathing life into your existence.”

Jones currently resides in Southern Maryland with his son Dwayne, Jr. He enjoys socializing with friends and is ever grateful to the people who gave him his start as a change agent in the District. He shares this award with all those who labor without complaint or compromise.