Gift from MassMutual to help Hartford students attend UConn

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 UConn thanks to a partnership between the Hartford Public Schools, the University, and the MassMutual Foundation for Hartford Inc.

The MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars program was launched May 10, when the first 15 student scholars were introduced during an event at Bulkeley High School.

The 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.

This includes books, a laptop or desktop computer, leadership conference fees, lab fees, emergency travel funding, study abroad fees, and tutorial fees.

They also will 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.”

The program will focus on the recruitment, retention, and graduation of low-income, first-generation Hartford students admitted to the University through UConn’s Student Support Services program.

Student Support Services is a federally funded program of academic and social support for students who are predominantly from Connecticut’s urban centers, who have the academic potential to succeed but lack financial resources, and whose families lack the ability to navigate higher education.

The Scholars chosen will be introduced to University life prior to their freshman year by attending a six-week, pre-collegiate summer program. Student Support Services will then guide them through their college careers.

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

“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.”

The Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) has a history of supporting education.

The company supports – through financial assistance and volunteerism – the belief that providing educational opportunities effects long-term improvement within communities.