University of Bridgeport Forms Partnership with New Haven Promise
Bridgeport, CT (05/09/2024) — University of Bridgeport (UB) has signed a partnership agreement with New Haven Promise, a not-for-profit support program for prospective college students, to offer scholarships for incoming New Haven Promise students accepted to UB.
New Haven Promise serves low-income students from the New Haven area, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. Primarily focused on first-generation students, the organization provides support through career exploration, mentorship, college and career readiness training, and more. Through these services, New Haven Promise supports students with career placement throughout New Haven once they graduate college.
New Haven Promise provides incentive-based scholarship funding to break intergenerational poverty and has already invested a staggering $33 million in local youth. By partnering with students, families, colleges and universities, community organizations, and local businesses, New Haven Promise aims to get students into college, successfully through their programs of study, and back to the community to lead the next generation of New Haven into a brighter future.
Through this new collaboration, UB will offer New Haven Promise students a $25,000 renewable scholarship, easing their educational burdens and helping open once-closed doors.
New Haven Promise vies to make higher education more accessible to New Haven youth through a range of initiatives, including professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, FAFSA workshops, and more. With the goal of empowering prospective students by strengthening their college readiness and career prospects, this new partnership provides a clear path from college to career for students within New Haven.
Dr. Allison Garris, UB's dean of admissions, and Patricia Melton, the president of New Haven Promise, signed the partnership agreement on March 27, 2024. "We're thrilled to welcome New Haven Promise students to UB's campus," shared Dr. Garris. "This exciting partnership highlights our goal to make higher education more accessible to students from our local communities and beyond."
Melton sees the organizations' shared values as a natural platform for partnership. "University of Bridgeport is committed to academic excellence, personal responsibility, and service to others," she said. "We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to future New Haven Promise scholars, and we know UB will be a wonderful and affordable option."
UB's partnership with New Haven Promise will support young people on their journey toward and throughout college as they look to become future leaders of their home city. Approximately 86% of New Haven Promise students choose to return to the New Haven region after completing their education, further enriching and strengthening the local community. By joining forces, UB and New Haven Promise are not only making higher education more accessible but also addressing the broader issue of intergenerational poverty.
With dedicated leaders like Dr. Allison Garris and Patricia Melton at the helm, this exciting collaboration between University of Bridgeport and New Haven Promise will transform lives. By providing support throughout their college journey, UB and New Haven Promise are investing in individual futures and strengthening the New Haven community. This initiative empowers these young minds to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, ensuring a brighter and more vibrant future for all.
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Patricia Melton (left), president of New Haven Promise, and Allison Garris (right), UB's dean of admissions, signed a partnership agreement to offer New Haven Promise students accepted to UB a $25,000 renewable scholarship.