Students do not apply for this scholarship, they must qualify. What does that mean? To officially become a Promise Scholar, a student must: 1. Attend a Hartford public high school continuously since 9th grade 2. Be a Hartford resident throughout high school 3. Have a 93% or better cumulative attendance record during high school 4. Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale in high school
If you qualify, you will be notified by your school counselor. If you have not been notified of your eligibility, and you think you qualify, reach out to your counselor, and they will follow up on your behalf. Please note that ‘on track’ students must remain on track through the end of their senior year in order to be a Promise Scholar.
What are the key dates for the Hartford Promise Scholarship?
October 1: Students may begin to complete their FAFSA forms.
February 15: Students must complete their FAFSA. In the case of undocumented students, a waiver can be granted.
April 16: Final deadline for on-track Promise Scholars to return completed Scholar Information Forms and required waivers.
May 1: College decisions are made, and deposits are due. On-track Promise Scholars must notify Hartford Promise of their college decision as soon as possible through our College Decision Form.
Early July: Official Promise Scholar list is confirmed.
Mid-August: Promise Scholar Day and Celebration
First week in November: Promise Scholarship payments are made to all colleges by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
I qualify as a Hartford Promise Scholar! What's next?
Congratulations! At the end of your senior year, you will be asked to provide your school counselor with your best email address. Using that email address, Hartford Promise will reach out to you and request that you complete a series of simple forms, waivers, proof of residency, proof of FAFSA completion and proof that you have applied to at least two other scholarships.
What is the scholarship award?
4-year colleges/universities: Scholars will receive up to $5000 per year (posted as $2500 per semester) 2-year colleges: Scholars will receive up to $2500 per year (posted as $1250 per semester) The scholarship is applied to any balance remaining after all other scholarships, grants and financial aid including federal student loans are applied to your account. This means that if your remaining balance is $5000 or more, you will receive the full Promise award. If your balance is less than $5000 your award will be that lesser amount. If your balance is $0, you will not need the Promise Scholarship for that given year All awards are paid directly to your college/university. If you do not receive the full award, the unused funds do not roll over and are not available in the following years.
What does the Hartford Promise Scholarship pay for?
The award will help pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and any other fees the university/college charges directly to the student after all grants, scholarships, discounts, tuition benefits, federal student loans and any other financial aid have been applied (this list is not inclusive). It cannot be used to cover penalties charged to the students whether it be parking fees, late fees or damage fees.
Where can I use the Hartford Promise scholarship?
The Hartford Promise scholarship can only be used toward 4-year bachelor's degree and 2-year associate's degree programs. The scholarship cannot be used for certificate or non-degree programs of any kind.
How does my college receive Hartford Promise award payment?
All payments will be made directly to your college’s Student Financial Services/Bursar’s Office.
Students must accept their financial aid packages before award amounts can be determined. This timing will vary by college, but we suggest you do this as early as possible. Our award amount may not be reflected in your account until late August/ early September. Most colleges will initially post our scholarship as a pending item on your fee bill. The actual award payments are received by the beginning of November.
What if I want to take a year off?
Promise Scholars have 5 years of eligibility to receive 4 years of scholarship payments towards a Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of eligibility to receive 2 years of scholarship payments towards an Associate’s Degree. This allows for a gap year to be taken.
What do I need to do to continue receiving my scholarship?
Students must begin using the scholarship within one year of high school graduation.
Rising Freshmen:
Complete all Hartford Promise information forms and college release forms.
Complete and submit your college decision form and notify us of any changes in your plans.
Register with Hartford Promise Connect.
Respond to all requests for information and make sure that contact information is current and up to date.
Returning Scholars:
Be enrolled full time and be in good academic standing with your school.
Complete our annual survey.
Keep contact information current and up to date.
Notify us of college transfers.
Maintain an updated FERPA (release of information form) at your college/university.
What if I have an academic setback?
You do not need to maintain a 3.0 GPA in college, you need only be in good academic standing at your school. If you find yourself on academic probation, please reach out to us! This may be hard for you to do, but you need a plan and support. We can be incredibly helpful!
What if I transfer schools?
Your scholarship will travel with you as long as younotify Hartford Promise of your change. As a matter of fact, we encourage students attending a 2-year program to transfer to a 4-year program. Transfer students must continue to attend a not-for-profit fully accredited institution. Please use yourHartford Promise Connect Student Portal to notify us of any updates as soon as they are confirmed.
What if I am a DACA recipient?
If you are undocumented or in the DACA program, you are still eligible for our scholarship. You must notify usthrough your school counselor or directly that you are unable to complete a FAFSA so that we can waive that requirement for you. Any personal information and all communications regarding undocumented or DACA status will be held in the strictest confidence.
Can I use my scholarship for study abroad programs?
Yes, you can, as long as it is billed through your enrolled college or university. We cannot issue any awards directly to an educational institution outside of the US. When choosing your program please keep this in mind.
Where can I find scholarship funds available exclusively for Promise Scholars?
We have several college partners providing additional funds for our scholars, here is the current list:
These colleges provide a scholarship match to Promise Scholars who are admitted to their school:
University of Connecticut: Full match up to $5,000
University of Chicago: Full match up to $5,000
Eastern Connecticut State University: Full match up to $5,000
Quinnipiac University: Full match up to $5,000
University of St. Joseph Connecticut: Full match up to $5,000
College of the Holy Cross: Full match up to $5,000
Central Connecticut State University: Full match up to $5,000
These colleges provide additional aid to Promise Scholars who are admitted to their school:
University of Hartford: Free housing for all four years
Goodwin College: Financial support for certain degree programs (Associates & Bachelors Degrees ONLY)
Remember you can use our scholarship at any not-for-profit accredited undergraduate college or university in the country, you are not limited to this list.Here is a full list of colleges that Promise Scholars attend. You are not limited to this list.
Where can I find other scholarships and grants to supplement my Promise award?
Hartford Promise is fully funded by private support. Families, individuals, corporations, and foundations from Greater Hartford, CT, and beyond have donated $13 million to date and through high school class of 2025. We are currentlyraising funds to provide the scholarship for every qualifying Hartford student in high school today.
How do I get more involved?
Thanks for your interest in Hartford Promise! GET INVOLVED.
