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The Hartford Promise Will Help Make College Affordable for Hartford Students

By Nyesha McCauley

January 31, 2013

For many Hartford families college is a dream deferred. In the job market of today and tomorrow, there is no question that a college degree can open doors of opportunity while the absence of one can make for a challenging road. Today, many employers will not consider applicants who do not have a college degree but for Hartford families struggling with everyday expenses, college may seem out of reach due to the rising costs.

To address this problem, Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto, along with several Hartford leaders, offered Hartford students a Promise. If you are a resident of Hartford, continuously enrolled in Hartford Public Highs Schools between 9th through 12th grades, graduate with a 3.0 GPA and meet district attendance goals; you can receive $5,000 per year award towards your college costs.

This is the Hartford Promise: a college access scholarship program that helps to bridge the financial gap between high school and college for Hartford students who regularly attend school, work hard in the classroom and achieve high academic success.

But in order for this promise to be fulfilled Hartford students and their families must fulfill their part of the equation.

Being Ready for College

Elementary school families who see college as being available only to wealthy suburban families can now see college as a reality for their child. Families greatly influence their child’s attitude toward college and must instill in them that college is their destination not a dream. It is more of a reality today than ever before thanks to the Hartford Promise.

College ready students need good study habits, high expectations and the curiosity to learn which can only be accomplished when you show up every day ready for school motivated to maximize your academic potential.

Parents can support the school district’s reform efforts by creating a culture of high academic expectations in the home, making sure their kids are at school on time, taking rigorous college preparation classes, completing school assignments on time and seeking help when needed.

While the Hartford Promise may not provide for full tuition reimbursement, every dollar makes a difference towards obtaining your college degree and the promise is a step in the right direction.