In 2012, the City of Hartford followed the path of New Haven in announcing the Hartford Promise. The move ensured that Hartford’s students, starting in 2016, will have the opportunity to attend and complete college.

Hartford Promise will be a comprehensive college access program that includes college advising and college readiness activities for Hartford Public Schools students in grades 6 through 12, the awarding of standards-driven scholarships, and the development of academic supports during college for successful attainment of a college degree. Through Hartford Promise the community works together to:

• Increase student achievement
• Create a college-going culture for students and families throughout the community
• Bolster ongoing school reform efforts to close the achievement gap and provide excellent schools choices for all students
• Contribute to the economic development of Hartford and the region by ensuring a prepared future workforce and attracting residents to the city

“Nothing changes a life more than higher education,” said Executive Director Richard Sugarman. “A dollar invested in a promise scholarship can mean anywhere from $4 to $6 in increased economic returns in the community and frankly increased taxes.”

Qualifiers must be Hartford residents, attend a public high school, have earned a 3.0 GPA and a 93 percent attendance rate.