April 2, 2007

The Steppingstone Foundation, a Boston-based not-for-profit organization, formalized a partnership in December 2006 with The Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation (HYSF) to launch The Steppingstone Academy Hartford. Following the success of the Foundation’s program in Boston and its first affiliate site launched in Philadelphia in 1999, The Steppingstone Academy Hartford will work to support college access for underserved urban schoolchildren. Saturday’s kick-off family information event marks the first of several community-meetings over the next six weeks to increase awareness and encourage students and families to apply. To date, over 450 students have been nominated by Hartford teachers and guidance counselors.

The joint venture, backed by Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, focuses on ninth grade placement at Hartford area college preparatory independent schools. The Foundation’s ultimate goal is to support the mayor’s commitment to increase by 25 percent the number of Hartford students who attend four-year colleges.

“Education equals empowerment. We need to empower our students with opportunities that will open the door to an even brighter future. The next step is for our young people to then reinvest their skills back into our community,” said Perez, who also serves as chairman of the Board of Education in Hartford. “With The Steppingstone Foundation-Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation partnership, we are increasing educational options for families in Connecticut’s capital city.”

The first class of scholars will begin a 14-month rigorous preparatory program in July 2007. Classes will be held in donated classroom space at Trinity College through the generosity of HYSF Board Member and Trinity College President James F. Jones, Jr. The program has already also gained the additional support of a number of area leaders, educators and organizational partners, including:

• Perez and Hartford;

• The Hartford Public School System;

• Area independent schools, which have committed over $11million in financial aid and scholarship support; and

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Hartford and The Learning Corridor, providing classroom space for after-School and weekend classes.

“With 95 percent of our students matriculating to four-year colleges, we are uniquely qualified to partner with HYSF to decrease the achievement gap and the resulting opportunity gap that plagues so many cities across the country,” said Michael P. Danziger, Steppingstone President and co-founder. “Connecticut has a number of excellent independent college preparatory schools that previously have been out of reach for the vast majority of Hartford students. Steppingstone has shown measurable success in identifying promising students to prepare for and succeed at rigorous high schools. Most importantly, these students go on to college at rates far higher than their peers.” In addition to academic preparation and placement support, Steppingstone offers students and families college counseling services and assistance in applying for financial aid.

Founded in 2005, HYSF is dedicated to strengthening Hartford by developing and implementing academic programs that increase college access for Hartford schoolchildren. HYSF’s first initiative, The Steppingstone Academy Hartford, prepares students for admission to and success at Connecticut’s top college preparatory high schools. By increasing educational opportunities, HYSF supports the development of a vibrant and productive community, making Hartford a better place in which to live, work and raise a family.

Founded in 1990, The Steppingstone Foundation is a nonprofit organization that develops and implements programs that prepare urban schoolchildren for educational opportunities that lead to college.

The Steppingstone Academy in Boston and Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. in Philadelphia prepare motivated urban students for success at college preparatory public exam and independent middle and high schools. In Boston, Steppingstone serves more than 650 students in grades five through 12 annually. For additional information, visit the Steppingstone website at www.tsf.org.