After graduating in May 1980 from Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, Handel attended both Prince George's Community College, in Largo, Maryland, and the University of Maryland, University College, in Adelphi, Maryland, but did not earn a degree.
Following graduation from Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro in May 1980, Handel pursued studies at both Prince George's Community College and the University of Maryland, University College, but ultimately did not earn a degree.