Spring Break
MassMutual Gives 60 Scholarships
Freesia Singngam
Issue date: 6/12/06 Section: News
In an innovative partnership, UConn, Harford Public Schools and the MassMutual Foundation for Hartford Inc. are working together to bring 60 graduates from high school's throughout Hartford, who might not otherwise have the chance to attend a four-year university, to UConn.
On May 10, MassMutual announced their contribution of $584,000 to the new MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars Program.
This money will give financial aid to 15 incoming graduates from the urban public schools each year to cover four years (or eight semesters) of academic advising, tutorial fees, use of a laptop or desktop computer, and social support to enhance their overall college educational experience. The aid also includes, but is not limited to books, conference fees and study abroad fees. At the end of four years a cumulative total of 60 students will have been fully funded throughout their college academic career with the donations of MassMutual.
Along with that financial aid, the Student Support Services Program at UConn will guide the MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars through their four years. The students will also be introduced to the University in a six-week summer program right before their freshman year.
"That's a key part of it," said Terry D'Italia, spokesman for Hartford Public Schools. "They need the ongoing support. It is exactly what they need."
According to D'Italia, the school district has many students starting college, but because of a lack of support in both financial and academic aid, these students do not make it to graduation.
The program also helps UConn increase diversity on campus.
MassMutual left the selection of the scholarship recipients to the discretion of Hartford Public Schools and UConn.
According to Nick Fyntrilakis, director of community relations for MassMutual, MassMutual wanted the students to be in financial need and first-generation college students. By letting the schools decide, MassMutual "gave license to find the best fit students," Fyntrilakis said.
On May 10, MassMutual announced their contribution of $584,000 to the new MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars Program.
This money will give financial aid to 15 incoming graduates from the urban public schools each year to cover four years (or eight semesters) of academic advising, tutorial fees, use of a laptop or desktop computer, and social support to enhance their overall college educational experience. The aid also includes, but is not limited to books, conference fees and study abroad fees. At the end of four years a cumulative total of 60 students will have been fully funded throughout their college academic career with the donations of MassMutual.
Along with that financial aid, the Student Support Services Program at UConn will guide the MassMutual Hartford Huskies Scholars through their four years. The students will also be introduced to the University in a six-week summer program right before their freshman year.
"That's a key part of it," said Terry D'Italia, spokesman for Hartford Public Schools. "They need the ongoing support. It is exactly what they need."
According to D'Italia, the school district has many students starting college, but because of a lack of support in both financial and academic aid, these students do not make it to graduation.
The program also helps UConn increase diversity on campus.
MassMutual left the selection of the scholarship recipients to the discretion of Hartford Public Schools and UConn.
According to Nick Fyntrilakis, director of community relations for MassMutual, MassMutual wanted the students to be in financial need and first-generation college students. By letting the schools decide, MassMutual "gave license to find the best fit students," Fyntrilakis said.
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