Hartford Students Receive MassMutual Funding

Sixty Hartford high school graduates who might not otherwise have had the chance to attend a selective four-year university will now be able to attend the University of Connecticut (UConn), thanks to a recent partnership between the Hartford Public Schools, the university and the MassMutual Foundation

The MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars program is funded by the MassMutual Foundation through a $584,000 contribution.

"I've always dreamed of going to UConn, but I never would have made it there without this kind of support," said Crystal Cruz, a senior at Hartford Public High School. "I know some day I'll be back here talking to future students about how education made a difference in my life, and I'll always be grateful to MassMutual, UConn, and the Hartford Public Schools for making it happen."

The MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars program will eliminate some of the barriers to college facing Hartford public school graduates, provide momentum to the university's push to provide quality education to a diverse student population and support the goal of increasing by 25 percent the number of Hartford youth attending four-year colleges.

The scholars will receive four years of financial assistance and academic fees assistance, including books, a laptop or desk computer, leadership conference fees, lab fees, emergency travel funding, study abroad fees and tutorial fees. They will also receive four years of academic advising and four years of social support to enhance their overall college experience.

"This is an innovative and exciting program that gives Hartford Students exactly what they need to succeed: opportunity," said Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez. "That opportunity is matched with financial assistance, hands-on academic support, and even a computer - all important tools that our youngsters need to succeed in college and in life."

UConn President Philip E. Austin said, "As Connecticut's flagship public university, UConn endeavors to open its doors to every academically qualified student in the state.

"We are proud of our progress in maintaining a student body that is culturally and economically diverse, and the MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars program will take us an important step forward. We greatly appreciate their support," he added.

Ronald A. Copes, executive director of the MassMutual Foundation and corporate vice president of community relations for MassMutual said, "We're especially proud of this new MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars program because it was designed to fulfill a specific need in Hartford, where so many students deserve the opportunity to continue their education at Connecticut's flagship university."

"We've helped foster a culture of academic achievement in Hartford," continued Copes. "By helping send 60 new students to UConn, we're taking the natural next step in opening doors to education."

Funding for the program will be administered and invested by the University of Connecticut Foundation Inc.

For more information visit www.uconn.edu.