$1.2 Million Boost for Hartford Youth Education and Jobs Program

UPDATE: Hartford youth are receiving a significant boost with $1.2 million allocated to enhance education and employment initiatives through the Hartford Opportunity Youth Collaborative (HOYC). This funding, confirmed on July 15, 2023, aims to tackle the alarming rate of young people disconnected from education and the workforce.

The collaborative effort, backed by the city of Hartford, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the United Way of Central and Northeastern CT, and the Aspen Institute, seeks to halve the number of disconnected youth in Hartford over the next five years. Currently, a staggering 53 percent of Hartford students are at risk of not graduating from high school, according to a recent report by Dalio Education.

“This is an incredible moment for Hartford, one that reaffirms our unwavering commitment to every young person in our city,” stated Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “This investment is more than just funding—it’s a decisive commitment to solving Connecticut’s opportunity youth crisis right here in our capital city.”

The city has allocated $751,000, while the Hartford Foundation contributes $300,000 to fund a new director for HOYC over a two-year period. This role is vital for coordinating efforts to connect youth with meaningful workforce opportunities.

“Through a series of inclusive conversations with stakeholders across sectors, a new framework emerged,” said Joel Hicks-Rivera, Senior Community Impact Officer at the Hartford Foundation. “This reimagined structure is designed to be more responsive, coordinated, and centered on the needs and aspirations of Hartford’s youth.”

The United Way is providing approximately $100,000 in flexible funding to support HOYC operations, reinforcing its commitment to reducing the number of at-risk youth in Hartford. “This is a great example of what it looks like when partners across sectors come together to create a measurable impact for young adults,” said Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

Additionally, the Aspen Institute is committing $90,000 to support HOYC’s inclusion in the Everyone Counts Initiative, which focuses on data sharing and youth leadership supports. This collaboration will enhance professional development resources for HOYC members, aiming to build a workforce system that is equitable and empowering.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. With many young individuals in Hartford facing barriers to education and employment, the collaborative’s goal is to create accessible pathways for success. This funding not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term change in the community.

As HOYC begins implementing these programs, stakeholders and community members will be watching closely. The next steps will include hiring the new director and launching targeted outreach efforts to engage at-risk youth in Hartford.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Hartford takes bold steps to secure a brighter future for its young residents.