Greater Futures Scholarship Fund
Higher education—Vital, yet out of reach
Over the past 50 years, college tuition has tripled, placing higher education further out of reach for many young, talented scholars in our community, shutting doors on opportunity before they even get a chance to step through. Beyond the financial burden, students face an array of other challenges, forcing many to forgo college, drop out, or graduate with life-altering debt.
The Challenge
35% of college students have considered dropping out in the past six months, with 33% citing financial stress as the reason.
75% of people unenrolled in college cite financial constraints and the need to work as obstacles to continuing their education.
43% of White residents in Hartford hold a college degree, compared to only 14% of Black residents and 10% of Latine residents.
By 2031,72% of jobs will require education beyond high school.
Thriving students, a thriving region
To strengthen our communities, we must remove barriers to higher education and empower the young leaders of tomorrow.
Introducing the Greater Futures Scholarship Fund— for a higher degree of success
In recognition of our Centennial Anniversary, the Hartford Foundation has created the Greater Futures Scholarship Fund, a first-of-its-kind program that provides students with up to $100,000 over their four-year education. Students will also receive expansive support services from Hartford Promise’s successful Reaching Forward, Reaching Back program.
The Foundation will award over 110 scholarships each year to high-achieving Hartford public school students. This transformative scholarship is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to our region as we strive to expand opportunity for all residents. With the Fund, we can support students to excel in their coursework, graduate from college, and continue to develop as leaders in their communities.
"Hartford Promise has helped me financially, but more importantly they’ve given me exposure to what I want to do after I graduate. They’ve provided a mentor, internship opportunities, resume and career workshops, just giving me reassurance and encouraging me to go outside of my comfort zone."
- Omayra Robeldo, UCONN CLASS OF 2025
How does the Fund Work?
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Up to $20,000/year from the Foundation + $5,000/year from Hartford Promise
This is “last dollar” funding, meaning it comes after grants and scholarships provided by the school. This scholarship will help to bridge the financial gap and ensure students can afford to stay in school year after year.
WRAPAROUND SERVICES
10 years of powerful support services from Hartford Promise
A decade of wraparound services such as tutoring, financial aid counseling, academic coaching, mental health support, and career mentoring, to help students excel before, during, and after college.
Invest in the young leaders of tomorrow
Hartford’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers is ready to rise, but they need you and our community’s support. To launch and sustain the program for its first five years, we’re raising $10 million. Your investment doesn’t just fund education — it bolsters economic growth, builds a stronger workforce, and transforms our entire region.
Join us in championing our students. Together, we can create a greater future.
"Educating the next generation is the responsibility of the adults on deck, and the Greater Futures Scholarship campaign is leading the way in showing us all what investing in a healthy future looks like. It looks like investing in our young people, and we are proud to be a part of this special effort."