Attendees from across the country came together in National Harbor, Maryland, for Generation Hope’s annual HOPE Conference. It was a timely and much-needed gathering amid shifting national policies and growing uncertainty about support for student parents. The event brought together advocates, educators, and changemakers, all united by a shared commitment to support parenting students. Throughout the conference, powerful stories, thoughtful strategies, and actionable solutions took center stage, all aimed at advancing equity in higher education for student parents.

A key highlight from the conference was a panel discussion centered on student fathers. While student mothers often receive more visibility in research and reports, student fathers make up nearly 30% of the student parent population. Limited data and insufficient support often cause their experiences to be overlooked. This is especially true for Black, Native American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men, who are statistically more likely to be parenting while pursuing their education.

A powerful theme that echoed throughout the conference was the idea that “our children are not the barriers—the systems are.” For student parents, it’s not their role as caregivers that hinders their educational journey, but rather the rigid and inequitable systems they must navigate. Systems such as higher education institutions often lack flexible policies, affordable child care, and family-friendly support services. This makes it difficult for student parents to thrive while enrolled. Social service programs are frequently fragmented or inaccessible, failing to recognize the unique challenges students face. By shifting the narrative and reimagining these systems to be more inclusive and responsive, we can start removing the obstacles that stand in the way of student parents and their children’s success.

Together with Amber Angel of the ECMC Foundation, Jessica Lee of The Pregnant Scholar, and Theresa Anderson of the Urban Institute, Michelson 20MM co-hosted a panel discussion highlighting the power of collective philanthropic action to drive equity and systemic change for student parents. Panelists shared insights into the California Student Parent Pooled Fund, a collaborative initiative that supports student-parent advocates and addresses fragmented efforts across California. Grounded in a multi-generational approach, the fund helps the whole family by working with both children and adults in accessing resources and building skills.

As the conference came to a close, one message rang clear: Supporting student parents is not a side issue—it’s central to achieving equity in education. Whether it is addressing economic mobility, workforce development, or student basic needs, student parents are part of our populations. Their success creates ripple effects that uplift entire families and communities.