A new program in Fresno says its giving teen parents “HOPE” by letting them bring their children to school.
Learn4Life created HOPE, which stands for Helping Our Parenting-teens Excel. The program provides mentorship and support to high school students who are teen parents. Student teen parents take advantage of a classroom designed for study in a child-friendly space. They study alongside their children and learn life skills, child development, health, food and nutrition and financial planning, all while working toward a high school diploma. Through local partnerships, Learn4Life connects HOPE students with community resources like free diapers, clothing, formula, childcare and other necessities.
Learn4Life area superintendent Shellie Hanes and Learn4Life HOPE area coordinator Stephanie Byrne joins us in studio with details on the program.