Through the Southern Promise Scholars program, we empower students from New Haven, Waterbury, Hartford and Bridgeport with personalized support and meaningful opportunities for success. Each scholar is connected to an Advocate who offers guidance, helping students navigate campus resources, stay on track, and work toward college graduation.
Our Promise Scholars Partnerships
New Haven Promise was created in 2010 to build a college-going, talent, and civic-launch culture throughout New Haven, in which city students from the public schools aspire to attend and graduate from college and return to become active and employed New Haven citizens. As of June 2023, New Haven Promise has awarded $29,000,000 in scholarships, over 1,000 earned bachelor’s degrees, and has a four-year graduation rate that outpaces the national average in every demographic. With 87% of Scholars returning to the region after college graduation, Southern is proud to be a partner institution. The New Haven Promise impact at Southern reflects $4.65 million in scholarship disbursement for 687 recipients, of which 273 have earned a bachelor’s degree!
Waterbury Promise was created in 2022 to help talented Waterbury students attend college. The Waterbury Scholarship helps eliminate financial barriers, strengthens the college-going culture in Waterbury public schools, and provides essential support to ensure college success. Waterbury Promise provides eligible scholars up to $20,000 in financial aid to attend any accredited Connecticut-based school or university as the last-dollar scholarship. Southern is thrilled to partner with Waterbury to help students achieve their bachelor’s degrees and transform their lives and community!
Hartford Promise is a large-scale college scholarship and success program for Hartford Public School Students. Hartford Promise has provided $8.2 million in scholarships to over 1000 students who have attended more than 90 colleges! Fall 2023 yields the most significant number of Hartford Promise students who chose Southern, and we are ready and excited to help them achieve their goals and aspirations to earn a bachelor's degree.
Bridgeport Promise was created to help eliminate financial barriers while increasing the number of college graduates from Bridgeport Public Schools. Beginning with the Class of 2026, eligible Promise Scholars will receive a minimum of $1,250 per year in financial assistance to attend a partner Connecticut-based college or university. Bridgeport Promise provides scholarships, resources, and support services to college-bound students, helping to enrich their lives and strengthen the Bridgeport community. Students who demonstrate academic excellence, consistent attendance, financial need, and a commitment to community service are supported and rewarded through this initiative. Southern is proud to partner with Bridgeport Promise and support students as they pursue their bachelor’s degrees and future success.
Benefits of Southern Promise
Southern Promise Scholars have the opportunity to connect with a dedicated Advocate who serves as a mentor and support system throughout their college experience. When needed, students can meet for 1:1 or small group sessions, whether it’s to navigate university systems, manage academic or personal challenges, or simply talk things through. Scholars are first introduced to their Advocate during the summer celebration hosted by their hometown scholarship program, and again during the Week of Welcome each Fall and Spring semester. Our goal is to make sure every scholar knows they have someone in their corner and feels empowered to succeed at Southern.
Southern Promise Scholars get individualized support plus access to monthly academic and social events that build connection and community. Each semester, the University Access Programs office offers themed programs tailored to students’ needs. We focus on first- and second-year scholars with targeted workshops to ease their transition to college. All scholars, no matter their year, are welcome to attend signature programs that support academic success and personal growth. Upper-level students are encouraged to join peer mentoring and leadership opportunities on campus. Event details are shared through visits, flyers, email, and social media.