Hartford Foundation Offers More Than 100 Scholarships

To help students in the Greater Hartford area achieve their dreams, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving offers more than 100 scholarships, which are now accessible through an online directory.  

The directory includes more than 100 scholarships available from the Hartford Foundation as well as other organizations. Most are for graduating high school students, but scholarships for graduate students and adult learners are available as well. Students can access the directory athttp://www.hfpgscholarships.org/. 

“The evidence continues to show that college is a sound investment, even for jobs that do not require a degree,” said Jennyfer Holmes, who directs the program. “Three decades ago, full-time workers with a bachelor’s degree made 40 percent more than those with only a high school diploma, now the rate is more than 80 percent, according to The New York Times.” 

During 2011, the Hartford Foundation provided $1.3 million in support of scholarships for residents from Greater Hartford. Assistance was provided to more than 600 students at approximately 100 two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Many of the Foundation’s scholarships are awarded through almost 100 endowed funds created by individuals, families and organizations. The donors work with the Foundation in establishing selection criteria and award amounts.

These scholarships help a variety of students from traditional-aged to graduate students. Many donors also support the General Scholarship Endowment Fund, which pools donors’ contributions and awards $3,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors. These awards are renewable for up to three years and – in addition to tuition, fees, room and board – students can use the scholarships to purchase textbooks.    

The Foundation’s scholarship program also includes $210,000 in block grants to local two-year colleges for scholarships and $100,000 in block grants to local four-year schools for awards to students transferring from community colleges. 

In the last 20 years, there has been a 50 percent increase in bachelor degree recipients who borrow money to attend college, according to a United States Department of Education survey. National student loan debt topped $1 trillion for the first time last year as more students go to college and a growing number borrow money to do so.

“The Hartford Foundation is committed to helping students, especially those with financial need, achieve education and career success,” said Holmes.  

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for the 29-town Greater Hartford region, dedicated to improving the quality of life for area residents. The Hartford Foundation receives gifts from thousands of generous individuals and families and in 2011 awarded grants of almost $29 million to a broad range of area nonprofit organizations. For more information about the Hartford Foundation, and its strategic plan,Accelerate Success, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.