In a bold move that is making waves across Connecticut and beyond, Hartford Promise has announced a transformational change: beginning with the Class of 2025, eligible Hartford students can now receive up to $100,000 in scholarship funding to pursue college.
Yes, you read that right—$100,000.
This historic leap is thanks to a new partnership with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and it positions Hartford Promise as one of the most generous local scholarship programs in the nation.
What Is Hartford Promise?
Hartford Promise was created to close the education and income gap for Hartford youth by providing meaningful financial support and long-term guidance. The program offers scholarships to public high school students who meet four criteria:
- Live in Hartford for all four years of high school
- Attend a Hartford public high school
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Have a 93% attendance rate
This scholarship has already supported over 1,200 students, with 449 college graduates and counting. The program also includes:
- College Success Coaches
- Mental Health & Emergency Support
- Career Networking & Internships
- Support into the Workforce
Partnership with North Hartford Ascend
As a North Hartford Ascend affiliate, Hartford Promise has prioritized young people from the city’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. Their outreach includes high-touch programming at Weaver High School, financial literacy workshops, FAFSA completion help, and events like the Promise Scholar Induction Ceremony—where this year’s class celebrated their acceptance of the $100,000 award.
Real Impact, Real Stories
From students landing full rides at Columbia University to grads now working in engineering, communications, and public service, Hartford Promise alumni are reshaping the city’s future.
One recent graduate shared:
“Without this support, I wouldn’t have believed college was possible—let alone a school like Columbia. Hartford Promise changed my life.”
Learn More
- Want to know if your child qualifies?
- Visit hartfordpromise.org or email info@hartfordpromise.org
- Want to see more? Check out photos from the most recent Induction Ceremony—available upon request!
