The Generation Hope Scholar Program
Designed to help young parents achieve their college dreams.
We provide holistic support to teen parents pursuing college degrees in the Washington, DC region and Greater New Orleans.
Applications are now open! The applications are due by April 1, 2025, with priority consideration for those who apply by February 1, 2025.
What is the Generation Hope Scholar Program?
The Generation Hope Scholar Program surrounds teen parents with mentoring, tuition assistance, a peer community, and other vital, wrap-around services to help them earn their degrees.
Throughout the year, Scholars receive trainings on topics such as life balance and academic planning, as well as free tutoring, mental health supports, and career preparation. Scholars will also have access to family-friendly events and our annual Hope Conference, which provides life and career advice from experts within the community.
We currently operate in:
The Washington, DC region (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC)
The Greater New Orleans area
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (Dallas, Fort-Worth, Arlington, Irving)
“Every time I think about Generation Hope, it gives me so much happiness.”
- Briana, Scholar alumna, George Washington University ‘18
What do Scholars receive?
You can go to college. And we’re here to help you finish.
Mental Health Support
Generation Hope's Mental Health Coordinator is available to provide free virtual support - both individual sessions and group sessions - for you and your children.
Career Readiness Support
Our College and Career Success Manager provides one-on-one support to help you think through your career path, review your resume, apply for jobs, access internships, and prepare for interviews.
A Hope Coach
Support of Generation Hope staff, who can help you access resources, manage crises, navigate college, and more.
Academic Support
Free tutoring as necessary.
Tuition Assistance
$1,200/year in scholarship money if you are attending a 2-year college, $2,400/year in scholarship money if you are attending a 4-year college
Mentoring
Each Scholar is matched with a caring, adult mentor who works with you one-on-one until you graduate, providing you with emotional support, guidance, and friendship.
Emergency Funding
Access to an Emergency Fund for financial crises.
Trainings and Events
Scholars receive trainings on topics such as parenting and financial literacy, our annual Hope Conference, and family-friendly social events.
Who is eligible for the Scholar Program?
To be eligible to apply for the Scholar Program, you must meet the six requirements below. For eligibility-related questions, please email caroline@generationhope.org.
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 2025 semester within our service area (50 miles from the program city) and seek 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. Please email eligibility questions to applications@generationhope.org for the DC Scholar Program and NOLAScholar@generationhope.org for the New Orleans Scholar Program.
What is required of Generation Hope Scholars?
Meet with your mentor in-person at least once a month, and communicate at least every other week.
Attend an initial training in July and at least one In-Service training each year.
If you are a freshman and have not tested out of developmental reading/writing classes, you must attend Generation Hope’s Summer Bridge course, which will take place in July.
Attend the Generation Hope Graduation Banquet and Pathways to Promise Conference each June.
Respond to communication from Generation Hope staff within 24 hours.
Submit midterm and final grades each semester.
Complete 6 credits per semester towards an Associate's or Bachelor's degree at a non-profit college, and maintain a 2.5 GPA.
What communities do we serve?
Washington DC Scholar Program
New Orleans
Scholar Program
Dallas
Scholar Program
Questions? Contact applications@generationhope.org.