Hear from Our Sponsors!

2012 Sponsor Karen GoodwinOur Sponsors can tell you better than we can how fulfilling it is to directly support a Generation Hope Scholar.  So, we've compiled some of their quotes below.

[The best things is] seeing the light sparkle in Ambar's eyes, and seeing her succeed in school. -- Kimberly, 2012 Sponsor

Rarely, when I donate money, do I expect the majority of the contribution to have a direct impact, as it is with Generation Hope.  -- Donna, 2011 Sponsor

I want people to know that it's not just another nonprofit organization mentoring teen mothers, but it is a mission and a movement to break the cycle of poverty by empowering teen parents to pursue their college education and to widen their horizon of opportunities.  -- Julie, 2012 Sponsor

To read more about our Sponsors, check out their articles in our newsletters.

Want to become a Sponsor of a 2013/2014 Scholar?  We're recruiting now!  Click here for more info!

- Nicole

So who are your Scholars anyway?

Here at Generation Hope, two questions that we hear frequently are “where do your Scholars come from?” and “who are they?”  So, we thought we’d answer these questions here!

Teen pregnancy is not just an issue in cities, or in rural areas, or among certain groups of people. The need for teen parents to be able to access higher education is pressing across many demographics. Our Scholars are living in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (two in D.C., five in MD, and four in VA), and they are currently attending 8 colleges and universities.  We are in the process of recruiting 10 more Scholars, and they too will come from all across the Washington, D.C. area.  

So, who are our Scholars?  All but one are raising one child while attending college (one Scholar is raising two children).  Many are the first in their family to attend college, which means that they are working hard to prove the stereotypes about teen parents wrong and to start a new tradition of educational achievement in their families.  The average incoming GPA of the 2012 Scholar class was an impressive 3.5/4.0. They have the same goals, aspirations, and fears as many college students and parents—they want to achieve their dreams, spend time with their children, be good providers, and have access to fulfilling career opportunities.  

And who will our Scholars be in the future?  Generation Hope is committed not only to providing services for teen parents who currently enrolled in our program, but also to reaching out to the wider community of pregnant and expectant teens and helping them realize that college is a real option for them. In 2012, we held 10 college readiness workshops, reaching 71 pregnant and parenting students, some of whom we hope will be future Generation Hope Scholars! In 2013, we are reaching out to even more young parents, spreading the word that college is a viable option for them and empowering them to beat the odds. Our Scholars have done just that—despite the unique challenges they face as teen parents, they are thriving in their degree programs, becoming more capable parents, more confident students, and creating stronger bonds in the process. 

Interested in sponsoring a teen parent who will enter our program in July?  Click here.

- Caroline, Program Manager

Welcome Our New Program Intern, Caroline!

Caroline Griswold is thrilled to be joining the Generation Hope team! She is a summa cum laude graduate of Duke University with degrees in Dance and English. At Duke, she was extremely involved in the dance program, sang in an a cappella group, and wrote her honors thesis on ballet pedagogy. She also spent a summer interning with the Family Equality Council, an organization advocating for families headed by LGBT parents. Since graduation, Caroline has been performing in professional ballet and musical theater productions throughout the area and working as a tutor and tutor trainer with Applerouth Tutoring Services. Caroline currently lives in Arlington, VA with her boyfriend and their puppy. She is passionate about the mission of Generation Hope and excited to be a part of this wonderful organization. 

Presidents' Day: Always an Inspiration

Today is Presidents' Day, an opportunity to celebrate our country's leadership from the days of George Washington to today with President Barack Obama.  There are pearls of wisdom and inspiration that we can glean from each of these men.  One of my favorite presidents, Abraham Lincoln, captures one of Generation Hope's core beliefs in the quote below.  

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. 

We encourage our Scholars to be their biggest cheerleader.  Your own belief in your success will propel you towards your goal more than anyone else's. 

Enjoy your day!

- Nicole

Top 5 Reasons to Become a Sponsor

Thinking of becoming a Generation Hope Sponsor?  Everyone has a reason or a story about what or who got them involved. We've come up with the top 5 reasons you should submit your application today!

1. Mentoring works!  Mentoring is one of the key components of being a Generation Hope Sponsor.  Mentoring provides a direct relationship between the Sponsor and Scholar that is personalized and specific to their needs and development.  Scholars receive comfort in knowing that they have someone "in their corner" to help them acheive their goals. 

"It's like there's a whole circle of people who believe I can succeed, cheering me on." - Jennifer Ramirez, Scholar Class PRIMA 2011 & University of Maryland Alum '12 

2. Make a lasting impact in someone's life.  By becoming a Sponsor, you will experience a rewarding and personal connection that has a direct impact on a young parent's ability to reach their educational goals and provide for their family.  This impact will trickle down into the lives of their children and impact generations to come.

"...she reminds me that what I do is important not just for myself or my family but for others and for future generations." -Donna Fleming, 2011 Generation Hope Sponsor

3. Do something meaningful and rewarding. "Invest in ONE person - a family member, friend, co-worker, mentee, whoever! - and it will make a world of difference in the community and in your own life." - Julie Kwon, 2012 Generation Hope Sponsor

4. Help someone see his or her own gifts.  A great Sponsor can help someone to navigate through the complicated maze of college, their career, parenting or just life in general.  Help Scholars tap into their potential to secure stable and successful futures.  

"With the help of Donna, my Generation Hope family...I have been able to successfully manage my life and career goals." -Zataunia Heard, Scholar Class PRIMA 2011

5. It’s fun! We love to party! At Generation Hope we are a BIG family.  We provide several family strengthing activities and social gatherings for Sponsor, Scholars, and their children to get together and create bonding experiences.  To see some of our past events, click here to visit our gallery!

Becoming a Generation Hope Sponsor provides you with a hands-on, direct support experience with our Scholars.  As a Sponsor you will be matched with a teen parent who is attending college in the D.C. Meto Area.  Through this mentoring relationship, you will be able to provide guidance, advice and financial support that will assist them in earning their college degree and beginning a career.  Your efforts and dedication will have a lasting impact on our Scholars, their families, and our communities.

In addition to emotional support, the Generation Hope Sponsorship includes a financial contribution that goes directly toward the Scholar’s tuition. 

Want to learn more about this great opportunity?  Join us for our Sponsor Open House on February 28, 2013!  Click here for more details and to register for this event.

-Kendria