06/04/2026
At this year's D.C. Scholar Program Graduation Banquet, Scholar of the Year Mary Grace "Gracie" Armstrong shared a perspective that captures why supporting student parents matters.
"So often I hear 'despite being a mom' — as if our children are barriers standing in the way of our success. But for me, it has never been despite my daughter. It has always been because of her."
As we celebrate graduates across the country, we're also thinking about the student parents who are still working toward that same moment.
Generation Hope is approaching a significant milestone: the 300th college degree earned by a Scholar. Every degree represents more than an academic achievement. It reflects the impact of a community that helped close financial gaps, provided mentorship, offered encouragement, and ensured families had the support they needed to continue their education.
Today, we're inviting our community to help the next student parent reach graduation.
Thanks to a generous matching gift from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, every donation will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling its impact. Join us in ensuring student parents have the support they need all the way to the finish line – https://bit.ly/3Q4xu3k.