In this thought-provoking episode of "The Future of Smart" podcast, Nicole Lynn Lewis shares her inspiring journey from being a pregnant high school student to a college graduate and founder of Generation Hope. She discusses the need to change societal narratives about teen and student parents and the untapped potential that parenting students bring to classrooms and workplaces.
In this thought-provoking episode of the Future of Smart podcast, guest Nicole Lynn Lewis, founder of Generation Hope, shares her personal journey from being a pregnant teenager to a college graduate and a change-maker. She discusses the societal biases and stereotypes that often limit the potential of teen and student parents, particularly within communities of color. Highlighting her organization's work, Lewis talks about the FamilyU program, which collaborates with colleges and universities to create inclusive campuses for student parents. She emphasizes the need for systemic change in the educational sector and the importance of involving student parents in solution-building. Lewis also underscores the inherent value of a college education beyond earning credentials - as a platform for individuals to discover their identity, explore their passions, and decide how they want to contribute to society. The episode concludes with a discussion on the unique skills and experiences that parenting students bring to classrooms and workplaces, challenging the narrative around under-resourced students. Tune in to hear a powerful conversation about changing narratives and creating more inclusive educational spaces.