Intergenerational Work with Student Parents to Enable Postsecondary Success with Nicole Lynn Lewis

The Future of Smart

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.

If you are new to this podcast, we suggest listening to episodes 2-4 to build a foundation for the concepts and principles we'll keep returning to on the Future of Smart.

E.2 - From Brain Bound to Our Extended Minds

E.3 - A Return Journey to Wisdom

E.4 - Using Science to Imagine a New Purpose and Design for Education with Dr. Pamela Cantor