Next Generation Academy | A Program for Families in Early Childhood Development
By Mbali Khuzwayo
For families with young children, the early years are vital in laying the foundation for future learning, growth and development. The Next Generation Academy, a program within our D.C. Scholar Program, is specifically tailored for Scholars with children from birth to age five.
Next Gen Academy's mission is to support parents through parenting resources, early literacy programs and social-emotional development, helping children get ready for Kindergarten. By nurturing a strong community, performing home visits, and providing educational resources, the Next Generation Academy ensures families have what they need to do well in life.
Key components of Next Generation Academy
Let’s take a closer look into the core components that make this program impactful for both parents and children.
1 | Home visits
During our Home Visits, we use the Parents as Teachers curriculum, designed to enhance parents’ understanding of child development. Hope Coaches, trained in this curriculum, work one-on-one with families to share child development insights and encourage family wellbeing.
On these monthly visits, Hope Coaches meet with the Scholar’s family in their home which creates a comfortable learning environment. These visits are not limited to just the parents; any family members or caregivers involved in supporting the child’s growth can also participate. Each session is customized to the family’s specific goals and concerns.
Let’s say that a Scholar is working to improve their toddler’s communication skills. Our Hope Coaches may introduce activities like storytelling and singing, both shown to enhance language development and provide resources on encouraging conversations at home.
2 | Family dinners
Every month, Scholars’ families gather for a shared meal and a parenting workshop. Family Dinners provide a welcoming space for parents to connect with others who are raising young children and participate in workshops that cover essential life skills and parenting strategies.
Each dinner includes a healthy meal for the whole family, followed by engaging, hands-on workshops and activities for parents and children. It’s a unique opportunity for families to learn, bond, and build a sense of community.
3 | DCAP books and education fund
Through collaboration with community partners, Next Generation Academy provides each child in the program with a Developmentally and Culturally Appropriate Practice (DCAP) book every month. This ongoing exposure to books promotes literacy, language development and a love for reading at an early age. Additionally, the program offers a monthly stipend to support Scholar families’ education-related needs.
Each book is carefully selected to match the child’s age and interests, encouraging parents and children to read together. The monthly education fund can cover a range of expenses, from childcare to extracurricular activities that enrich the child’s development.
For instance, if a family is facing financial barriers with enrolling their child in a music class, the education fund can be used to cover that expense, helping the child explore their interests and develop new skills.
The long-term impact of Next Generation Academy
The support provided by Next Generation Academy does more than benefit families in the short term — it sets the stage for long-term success. Scholars who participate gain confidence and valuable parenting skills, preparing their children for Kindergarten and beyond. We currently serve 41 children through the Next Generation Academy.
By promoting early literacy, offering developmentally enriching activities, and creating a strong community, Next Generation Academy ensures that children enter school with a solid foundation in both academics and social skills. After two years in Next Generation Academy, 100% of children scored "on track" on the ASQ-2 Social-Emotional developmental screening tool.
How to apply
Interested in applying to the program? Here’s what you need to know…
Scholars must be enrolled in the D.C. Scholar Program for at least one year before they’re eligible to apply to Next Generation Academy. This requirement ensures that each applicant is fully integrated into the broader Scholar Program before participating in Next Generation Academy.
For more information on getting started, reach out to your program coordinator. They’ll guide you through the application process and answer any questions about program specifics, eligibility, or expectations. Alternatively, you can reach out to our Senior Early Childhood Manager, Ayanna Clay at ayanna@generationhope.org
Joining Next Generation Academy could be the next step in providing your family with the resources and support to succeed during these important early years!
