Generation Hope

We are proud to release our newest report, “EmpowerED Dads: Amplifying Voices, Advancing Higher Education for Student Fathers”! 📣 This study delves deep into the distinct experiences of student fathers as they navigate the dual responsibilities of parenting and pursuing higher education. Informed by focus groups and journal entries from student fathers, our report highlights the barriers that fathers in college often face, shedding light on systemic issues that impact their academic journey and personal well-being. We advocate for essential policy reforms and robust support systems aimed at fostering their success. Join us in recognizing the hard work and dedication of these individuals and supporting initiatives that promote their academic and personal fulfillment. Read our findings and policy recommendations: https://lnkd.in/eY9ABvEy . . . Image description: A purple graphic announcing Generation Hope’s new report, “EmpowerED Dads: Amplifying Voices, Advancing Higher Education for Student Fathers,” with a photo of a father holding his child on his shoulders and grinning. #StudentParents #StudentFathers #HigherEducation #HigherEdResearch #HigherEdEquity #RaceEquity

At Generation Hope, we are launching an ambitious 5-year Strategic Path to ignite systemic change and reach and support over 3 million student parents and their families! We have 6 main goals to guide our work, including deepening our direct support for both student parents and their children and intentionally transforming higher education. We'll also build and maintain diverse leadership, enhance operations within our organization, strategically connect with more partners, and advocate for equity and access. Take a look at our full 5-year strategic path and how you can contribute to making positive changes in the lives of two generations: https://lnkd.in/eksuW2wJ . . . . . . . Image description: A purple graphic with text saying: Five-Year Strategic Path Goals, Leader: We will build racially diverse leaders on our National and Local Boards to fulfill our mission and create a just world where all families are supported & thrive. Employer: We will improve internal operations and maintain an inclusive, healthy work culture. Resource Connector: We will meet fundraising targets by strategically growing resources & partnerships to mitigate systems of poverty and oppression for families of color. Activist: We will advocate nationally for student parents and families experiencing poverty, protecting and growing their equity, access, wealth, and power. Service Provider: We will prove young families' potential by removing systemic barriers and deepening our direct work with families. Trainer: We will transform higher ed through student-centered resources, tools, and race-equity-focused convenings.

An estimated 23% of all undergraduate students in New Orleans are parents. Last summer, we officially launched our New Orleans Scholar Program to provide vital, wraparound supports for young parents in college, and we’re proud to celebrate one year of impact. Generation Hope Founder and CEO Nicole Lynn Lewis and Director of New Orleans Programming Lindsey Cross recently spoke with WWNO-FM to discuss how our NOLA Scholar Program encourages and supports student parents in their journey through college. Listen here to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KZge9y . . . . Image description: A photo of Generation Hope’s New Orleans Programs Director: Lindsey Cross, Program Coordinator: Michael Shedrick, a scholar with their child and founder and CEO Nicole Lynn Lewis

Come join us for a webinar exploring our new report, “EmpowerED Dads: Amplifying Voices, Advancing Higher Education for Student Fathers” on Wednesday, July 24! You will get to hear from our Policy & Research team and a panel of dedicated student fathers as we highlight key insights from our research and advocate for change in our communities and colleges. Don’t miss out! RSVP today to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/eVbcDvM7  . . . . Image description: A purple and blue graphic with a photo of a father and his child and text saying, “Join our live webinar! EmpowerED Dads:  Amplifying Voices, Advancing Higher Education for Student Fathers, RSVP for the webinar, July 24, 2024 at 1 to 2 PM Eastern Time on Zoom”

The voices of our #StudentParent Scholars are at the heart of our decisions, and that is why we are thrilled to have a Generation Hope alum on our National Board of Directors! Thank you to Joseph Yusuf, a former teen father and Howard University graduate, for his dedicated service on our board over the past two years, sharing his perspective to guide our mission and impact. As we get ready to welcome our next Alumni Board Member, we deeply appreciate Joseph’s insights and reflections, which have strengthened our organization and deepened our connection to those we serve. . . . Image description: Joseph posing for a photo with Generation Hope Founder and CEO Nicole Lynn Lewis, holding a framed collage of photos from his time at the organization.

REMINDER: The application for the 2024 #FamilyUSeal is due soon! Colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations, this is your chance to be nationally recognized for intentionally and effectively serving #StudentParents. We evaluate how well institutions and organizations support student parents using our proven technical assistant framework, developed from our work with student parents and insights from higher ed partners across the country. From the 2024 Seal recipients, we'll select one exemplary higher education institution and one exemplary nonprofit to receive awards and funding to further their student parent initiatives. The higher education institution will receive $25,000, and the nonprofit organization will receive $15,000. Learn more, connect with our team, and apply here: https://lnkd.in/e6pZCQSj  . . . . . . Image description: A blue graphic with a photo of a student parent hugging their child and smiling for a photo with text that says, “Family U Seal: a national certification for student parent investment. One week left! Application due July 15,” and a FamilyU Seal logo #HigherEd #Nonprofits #StudentParents #CollegeLife #SupportStudentParents #FamilyUSeal #FamilyU

We are officially live! 🎉 Tune in to learn about our new Five-Year Strategic Path, which aims to support over 3 MILLION parenting students nationwide by 2029: https://lnkd.in/evt6FmEG With our new Strategic Path, we are on a mission to create a future where all families, regardless of zip code or background, have access to the education and career opportunities they need to achieve their dreams and live safe, healthy lives. Invest in and explore our transformative Strategic Path: https://lnkd.in/eksuW2wJ . . . Image description: A purple and teal graphic with a photo of a Generation Hope Scholar and her child kissing her on the cheek and posing for a picture together. #StudentParentSuccess #StrategicPath #GenerationHope

Navigating the challenges of college life while raising children is a powerful journey. For student fathers, every step is a lesson in resilience and mutual growth, strengthening bonds in extraordinary ways. Our new report, “EmpowerED Dads: Amplifying Voices, Advancing Higher Education for Student Fathers,” sheds light on the incredible stories of these dedicated dads, showcasing their determination and the unique support they need to thrive. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eY9ABvEy  . . . Image description: A purple graphic with a quote from a student father: “Sharing the journey of pursuing a higher education with my sons really has its highs and lows, but we really get to learn from each other and it gives us a deep connection that’s both grounding and lightning.” #StudentParents #StudentFathers #HigherEducation #HigherEdResearch #HigherEdEquity #RaceEquity

Generation Hope is proud to congratulate Monica Brown, EdD on being named President of South Seattle College! A progressive higher education leader with nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Brown was a member of our National Board of Directors, most recently serving as board secretary. We’re wishing her the best and excited to see her leadership for today’s students, including #StudentParents, in Seattle! . . . Image description: Dr. Monica Brown’s smiling headshot. #HigherEducationLeadership #CollegesAndUniversities

Our new Five-Year Strategic Path is not just about goals and strategies; it's about centering the voices of parenting students and giving them the platform they deserve. Generation Hope has always been about creating a sense of belonging and providing the wraparound support system that our Scholars deserve. As we move forward with our new Strategic Path, we are committed to doing even more to uplift and amplify the voices of our Scholars and student parents across the country. Together, we can make a difference! Don’t forget to RSVP to next Monday’s Strategic Path Launch event to learn how we’ll take action for #StudentParents over the next five years: https://lnkd.in/e5AY_N3x . . . Image description: A photo of Generation Hope Scholar Eli holding her child, with a quote from her: “Being able to meet with my Hope Coach Alex and my mentor Mamie has really impacted me in being able to feel like I am not doing it alone — and that I can achieve my goals and be a good mom and still push myself. It helped me not feel complacent, and that I could do everything I wanted to do.” #StudentParentSuccess #2Gen #HigherEd #StrategicPath