Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation History

Founded in 2005, the Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation (HYSF) is dedicated to strengthening the city of Hartford by developing and implementing academic programs that increase college access for Hartford schoolchildren. HYSF's first initiative, The Steppingstone Academy Hartford, prepares highly motivated students for admission to and success at Connecticut's top independent 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.

HYSF is based on the premise that, regardless of circumstance, children can achieve at high levels if they are prepared in a focused and demanding academic environment.  The Steppingstone Academy Hartford emphasizes rigorous standards to achieve meaningful results – namely, an increased number of 4-year college graduates from the city of Hartford.

Results to Date

We have grown from serving 26 Scholars to serving 106 Scholars.  The first class of Scholars achieved an average 160-point increase on their Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) scores; in 2008, 8 Scholars scored over 2000, double the number who scored over 2000 the previous year.  As a result of this dramatic standardized test achievement, Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendant of Hartford Public Schools, offered HYSF a middle school.  We were thrilled by this offer, but realized it was unrealistic to open a school in the timeframe provided.  

Thus far, and in all, Steppingstone Scholars have accessed $2M in financial aid dollars at 16 independent schools, including: Avon Old Farms School, The Ethel Walker School, Kent School, Loomis Chaffee, The Master’s School, Miss Porter’s School, Northwest Catholic High School, Pomfret School, Renbrook School, Salisbury School, South Kent School, Suffield Academy, Taft School, Watkinson School, Westminster School, and Westover School.