The DC Scholar Program
Designed to help young parents in the Washington, DC region achieve their college dreams.
Deadline Extended: Applications are due June 1, 2024.
Surrounding teen parents with wraparound support to help them earn their degrees
Emotional Support
Being a young parent in college can be lonely and stressful. We surround our Scholars with guidance, care, and support. Scholars receive free mental health services, one-on-one mentoring, case management from a Hope Coach, and a peer community of fellow young parents in college.
Financial Support
Balancing classes, work, and parenting is hard. We help ease this burden by providing tuition support of up to $2,400/year, as well as access to emergency funds. To ensure our Scholars can pursue family-sustaining careers after graduation, we also provide career-readiness support.
Events & Further Learning
Throughout the year, Scholars receive trainings on topics like life balance and academic planning and get to attend family-friendly events with their kiddos. We also provide free tutoring for our Scholars, tailored to their individual needs.
Serving families in the DC region since 2010
We currently serve
170
teen parents in college in the DC region.
Of our DC Scholars,
79%
are first-generation college students.
We’ve celebrated over
170
college degrees!
Average annual earnings more than doubled after earning a college degree for our Scholar graduates. Learn more about the impact of completing college for young parents and their children.
Generation Hope Scholar Karen Escobar
“When I got accepted I was completely shocked by the intense support I received from this program, the hope they offered, the acceptance and confidence they gave me. It changed the game for me and my daughter.”
Supporting the whole family with Next Generation Academy
Once enrolled in the Scholar Program, Scholars can apply to Next Generation Academy to receive specific support to meet the needs of their child's early growth and development, and ensure high levels of school readiness.
Next Generation Academy provides the children of our Scholars ages one to five with cognitive, social emotional, and literacy support to ensure that they are ready to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.A Hope Coach: Home visiting and case management to support your parenting and provide resources as you juggle raising a little one and college.
Early literacy support: Hope Coaches bring culturally-relevant, age-appropriate books to every monthly home visit for you and your little one to keep and read.
Mental health support: Generation Hope's Mental Health Coordinator is available to provide free virtual support - both individual sessions and group sessions - for Scholars and their children.
A Resource Family: In addition to your mentor, you'll be matched with a family in the community who can support you with resources and connections to assist with family needs.
Childcare support: Next Generation Academy Scholars receive up to $200 per month towards enrolling your child in high-quality childcare or other enrichment activities.
Want to be part of this powerful, two-generation impact?
Bring your family, coworkers, or friends together and become a Generation Hope Resource Family! You’ll be paired with one of our Scholars and their kiddos and help a whole family thrive on their educational journeys.
Find out if you’re eligible and apply
To be eligible to apply for the Scholar Program, you must meet these six requirements:
Teen Parents
Be a teen parent (any gender; defined as pregnant/expecting by age 19) and 25 or younger at the time of application.
Attending or Planning to Attend a Non-Profit College
Attend a non-profit college starting the Fall 2024 semester in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area (within 50 miles of DC) and seeking a two- or four-year (Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s) degree.
Minimum Credits
Be taking or planning to take a minimum of 6 credits each semester, working towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
Submit a Copy of Student Aid Report/FAFSA
If a U.S. citizen or Permanent Legal Resident, submit a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) or proof of FAFSA submission.
Actively Involved Parents
Raising or actively involved in your child's life (defined by regular support and care of your child).
U.S. Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, or have DACA status
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent U.S. resident, have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, or any other status that provides in-state tuition and work eligibility. Email applications@generationhope.org with eligibility questions.
Questions? Contact applications@generationhope.org.