Beating the Odds Roadtrip

On paper, Esther, Ikie, and Estephanie aren’t supposed to have made it to college. From unstable foster homes to financial insecurities, the obstacles they’ve encountered have, at times, seemed insurmountable. But even with everything stacked against them, they saw that college could be their way out—so they fought for it, tooth and nail.

Now, as the three cross the country to hear how others beat the odds to make it through graduation and beyond, they’ll see that by pursuing their college degrees, they’re not just shaking free of what’s weighing them down—they’re joining a rising tide with the power to lift up all of the communities they love.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or student looking for educational resources that will help you dive deeper into the topics and themes in this documentary, check out our viewing guide.