Tues. Jan. 22, 2013: At a press conference at the Hartford Public High School auditorium this morning, Hartford’s Superintendent, Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto announced a $4.1 million donation from Business and Philanthropy Leaders to unveil the Hartford Promise program. The program is designed as an incentive to high school students in the district, offering them a path to a college education by means of scholarships. The first recipients will be members of the class of 2016. Superintendent Kishimoto hopes to raise $12 million for the program to continue through 2023.
Students who are Hartford residents will earn scholarships by meeting district standards for school attendance from at least grade nine and earning a 3.0 or above grade point average at graduation. Eligible students will be awarded $2,500 yearly if they attend a two-year college and as much as $5,000 per year if they attend a four-year college. An additional year of support is planned for those moving on to study for a master’s degree in education.
The $4.1 million contributions were as follows:
$2 million from The Travelers Foundation;
$1 million from Hartford Hospital;
$500,000 from the Say Yes to Education Foundation;
$300,000 from Mr. Ramani Ayer, former CEO and Chairman of The Hartford;
$200,000 from Newman’s Own Foundation; and
$100,000 from Mr. Robert E. Patricelli, Chairman, President and CEO of Women’s Health USA.
According to Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, investing in the students’ education ensures a strong workforce that will help with the long-term economic growth of the city.
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