As the Hartford Scholars program celebrates its 10th anniversary, members of The Associates of the University of Hartford are exploring ways of expanding their already critical role in the project.

Lisa O'Connor (left) of Otis Elevator, one of the member companies of the University of Hartford Associates, works with Hartford Scholar Daymalee Bultron (center) as Associates Chair Christopher R. Zell of Fleet Bank looks on.

The Associates, an organization comprising members of the greater Hartford business community, has supported the University's scholarship program continuously since its inception in 1964. In 1990 former University President Humphrey Tonkin asked The Associates to commit a portion of its scholarship support to the Hartford Scholars initiative. The Hartford Scholars program enables Hartford public school graduates who meet the University's admission criteria to attend UofH for half-tuition. The Associates plays a major role in funding the program through events such as the annual auction and the scholarship gala.

The 1999–2000 year marked the 10th anniversary of the Hartford Scholars program. During the program's first decade, 322 students participated, earning 58 associate's degrees and 112 bachelor's degrees. One student went on to earn a master's degree from the University, and other former Hartford Scholars are working on or have completed master's degrees at other institutions.

The Associates recently conducted a review of the Hartford Scholars program's first 10 years. During the review process, The Associates' executive board met with members of the University's offices of multicultural affairs, financial aid, admission, and career services, and with outside organizations and individuals, including Hartford School Superintendent Anthony Amato. In addition, The Associates surveyed a group of former Hartford Scholars to gain their perspectives on the benefits of the program and suggestions for improvement.

As the review progressed, members of The Associates discussed ways in which they could have a greater impact on the lives of Hartford Scholars. A small number of Hartford Scholars have participated in The Associates' annual auction and the scholarship gala over the years, but otherwise, there has been little interaction between The Associates and the Scholars.

Christopher R. Zell, senior vice president of Fleet Bank and chair of The Associates, said that the organization's role in the Hartford Scholars program must go beyond financial support. "Our ultimate goal is to assist the Hartford Scholars in truly becoming scholars and to further enhance their experience at the University of Hartford," Zell said.

Students in the program should understand that members of The Associates are providing more than just a scholarship grant; they are providing educational opportunities that could ultimately develop into permanent positions at Associates' member companies, according to Zell.

The Associates developed a plan of action aimed at expanding the interaction with Hartford Scholars and at better communicating the opportunities available to them.

Associates members have started coming to campus to speak to Hartford Scholars about their companies and their fields and to share their own personal success stories. Members hope that these "awareness sessions" will help students recognize the many career opportunities that exist in the Hartford region, encourage them to stay in the area, and enable them to make connections for future employment. The first of these sessions was held in October, and additional ones are set for January and March.

The Associates will have greater interaction with the Hartford Public Schools, thanks to the efforts of Amato. Associates members and University representatives will visit Hartford high schools to discuss the Hartford Scholars program with faculty members and guidance counselors. In addition, they hope to be able to discuss the program directly with high school students and their families.

A new initiative, the Hartford Scholars Internship program, is designed to recognize the efforts of Hartford Scholars who achieve a grade point average of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate involvement in the community. After a rigorous application process, the program will match a Hartford Scholar who is a junior or senior with a company that is committed to funding the half-tuition portion of that student's financial aid package. The company will also provide an internship for that student for a minimum of one summer, with permanent employment as the ultimate goal for both the student and the company. The internship program will begin in 2001. LEGO Systems, Inc., is the first sponsor.

"Members of The Associates strongly believe in the partnership between business and higher education, and understand that educated individuals are vital to a sustained and healthy economic environment," Zell said. "Our businesses need the Hartford Scholars to be successful at the University of Hartford so they can go on to become successful members of the workforce."