Transforming the Lived Experiences of Student Parents into Meaningful Policy Change

Nearly 4 million college students in the U.S. are raising children, juggling the demands of parenting and school while navigating a higher education system that was not designed for them to succeed. 

Join New America for a fireside chat with Stephanie Land (author of Maid and Class) and Nicole Lynn Lewis (author of Pregnant Girl and founder of Generation Hope), who will discuss their journeys as student parents, the barriers they faced in completing their degrees, and how student parents can be better supported through our higher education system. Both Land and Lewis are among the 1 in 5 college students who care for children. A majority of these students identify as students of color. And a majority of these students identify as women.

Following the chat, a policy panel will discuss how to translate the lived experiences of student parents into systemic change in higher education at the state and national level. To develop better policies to support student parents, it is crucial to actively involve them in decisions that shape their education, their lives, and their families’ well-being. 

Presented in partnership with Imaginable Futures, the event will conclude with a networking reception and a book signing by both authors. The first 50 participants will receive complimentary copies of Class and Pregnant Girl. 

Light refreshments and beverages will be provided after closing statements.

Opening Remarks 
Rachel Fishman, Deputy Director, New America Higher Education Program
Vinice Davis, Venture Partner, Imaginable Futures

Fireside Book Chat: Empowering Student Parent Voices 
Stephanie Land, Class
Nicole Lynn Lewis, Pregnant Girl
Moderated by: Amber Angel, Program Officer, ECMC Foundation

Policy Panel Discussion: Translating Lived Experiences into Policy Action at the Institutional, State, and National Level
Emily Martin, Chief Program Officer, NWLC
Isis Patterson, Candidate for Master's degree in Urban Planning at Harvard University, Former Hill Staffer, and Student Parent
Wil Del Pilar, Senior Vice President, Ed Trust National
Da’Shon Carr, Policy Analyst, New America

Closing Remarks

Reception + Book Signing