For Immediate Release:
Women’s History Month: Leadership in Education Takes Center Stage at HOPE 2025 & Generation Hope’s 15th Anniversary Gala
Washington, D.C. – March 11, 2025 – Generation Hope, a nonprofit providing direct support and national advocacy and research for student parents in college, proudly announces the return of its national conference, HOPE 2025, taking place from April 9-11, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, MD.
The theme for Women’s History Month in 2025 is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” a perfect focal point to explore current issues in education, women’s leadership today and our national convening dedicated to the success of parenting college students.
HOPE 2025 brings together changemakers, higher education leaders, and advocates committed to breaking down barriers for student parents. Attendees will engage in dynamic sessions, hear from trailblazing speakers, and explore strategies driving systemic change.
“With the very real and emerging challenges impacting our education system and millions of families, it’s more urgent than ever to come together and create solutions," said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder & CEO of Generation Hope. "HOPE 2025 is about uniting, collaborating, and making an impact to ensure student parents have the support they deserve to succeed. When we invest in student parents, we strengthen families, communities, and the future of our country."
Coinciding with HOPE 2025, on April 10, 2025, Generation Hope will mark 15 years of impact with its Night of Light Gala—an evening of celebration and renewed commitment to expanding opportunities for young parents, student parents, and their children. Lesli Foster, Associated Press & Emmy Award-winning journalist from WUSA9, will emcee the event.
The gala will reflect on Generation Hope’s 200+ degrees earned by Scholars, systems change work reaching 150,000+ student parents across 30+ colleges, and its ambitious goal to impact 3 million families in the next five years.
Set against National Harbor’s picturesque waterfront, HOPE 2025 and the Night of Light Gala offer a powerful platform to celebrate, connect, and champion the future of higher education and celebrate innovative leadership.
For media inquiries, or to schedule interviews, contact:
Jay Shepley
Director of Communications
Email: jay@generationhope.org
Phone: (202) 735-1339
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Generation Hope
Generation Hope ensures student parents have the opportunity to succeed, experience economic mobility, and build wealth. We drive systemic change by partnering with education and policy leaders while providing holistic, two-generation direct service support to teen parents in college and their children. Our vision is a world where all teen and student parents—and their children—have every opportunity to create a better future for themselves, their communities, and beyond. Fewer than 2% of teen mothers earn a degree by age 30, but Generation Hope Scholars graduate at nearly twice the rate of low-income students and almost eight times the rate of single mothers nationwide. Through local and national advocacy, we amplify student parent voices and equip colleges with data, tools, and best practices to build family inclusive campuses that improve student parent outcomes. Learn more at www.generationhope.org.