WCU Professors Co-Executive Produce Documentary Exploring the Impact of Guaranteed
Income for Educators
Screenings in Downingtown, West Chester, and Philadelphia begin February 18
West Chester University is proud to announce the release of The Hands That Shape Tomorrow, a new documentary co-executive produced by two WCU faculty members: Professor of English Laquana Cooke and Associate Professor of Digital/Global Media Jeremy C. McCool.
The Hands That Shape Tomorrow offers a powerful, intimate look at how guaranteed income initiatives can transform
the lives of early childhood educators. Directed by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Kyra
Knox (Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia, executive produced by Allen Iverson), the documentary follows early childhood educators
participating in an 18-month guaranteed income program. Through candid interviews
and personal stories, the film examines how financial stability affects those who
nurture our youngest children—both inside and outside the classroom—and reveals the
ripple effects of economic security on their families, schools, and entire communities.
Cooke is also the Program Director of West Chester University’s iCamp, a free week-long camp for High School students from Philadelphia that provides immersive experiences in digital media and promotes self-expression and social justice. McCool is one of the camp’s faculty experts.
“This film allows audiences to witness the real-world consequences of financial insecurity among educators—and what becomes possible when that burden is lifted,” said Cooke and McCool.
“By centering the voices of early childhood educators, we hope to spark meaningful conversation about how investing in those who care for our youngest learners ultimately benefits us all.”
The Hands That Shape Tomorrow will debut in a series of screenings beginning in mid-February, bringing together legislators, educators, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders. Several screenings will take place in locations close to West Chester, offering the regional community a unique opportunity to engage with the film and its themes.
Find the films’ teaser here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Wbw50Cv4dW3omabHKCn5hqHVBhHY4xF/view.
Upcoming Screenings
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Location: Regal Downingtown,
100 Quarry Rd., Downingtown, PA 19335
Registration Link : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/private-film-screening-coatesville-the-hands-that-shape-tomorrow-tickets-1975644279222?aff=oddtdtcreator
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Location: Uptown Knauer Performing
Arts Center, 226 N. High St., West Chester, PA 19380
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/private-film-screening-west-chester-the-hands-that-shape-tomorrow-tickets-1975644674404?aff=oddtdtcreator
Date & Time: Monday, March 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Location: Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/private-film-screening-philadelphia-the-hands-that-shape-tomorrow-tickets-1975644935184?aff=oddtdtcreator
About The Hands That Shape Tomorrow
The Hands That Shape Tomorrow is an intimate documentary that follows early childhood educators as they navigate the profound impact of financial security on their lives, families, and communities while participating in a guaranteed income initiative. Through candid interviews and personal stories, the film explores what happens when we invest in those who nurture our youngest children—and how that investment reshapes entire communities.
Directed by: Kyra Knox
Co-Executive Producers: Laquana Cooke and Jeremy C. McCool
Funded by: Vanguard Strong Start for Kids™
Supported by: People’s Media Fund
Produced by: Conor Hare and JTWO Production