Eastern Connecticut State University is the first Connecticut State University (CSU) to partner with Waterbury Promise, Inc. to provide increased financial aid to students residing in Waterbury. Through the partnership, Eastern will match Waterbury Promise scholarships up to $5,000 starting this fall 2022.

Modeled after the New Haven Promise and Hartford Promise programs, Waterbury Promise (launched in 2021) offers privately funded scholarships to students in the Waterbury Public Schools system. In order to receive a Waterbury Promise scholarship of up to $5,000, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, complete a FAFSA report, have a 90-percent attendance rate, reside in Waterbury and plan to attend a four-year Connecticut university.

Speaking to the matching funds through the Eastern partnership, Waterbury Promise Executive Director Kelonda Maull said, “Scholars will be able to define their success and build upon the wealth of resources at Eastern Connecticut State University through graduation and into their respective careers.”

Eastern has become a nationally recognized leader in college affordability, ranking highly in value according to U.S. News & World Report. Now the University will make access to higher education more affordable for students from Waterbury.

“This new partnership underscores Eastern’s commitment to providing a transformative education that is also affordable,” said Raena Beetham, Eastern’s Admissions director.

“This partnership provides an opportunity for students of all different backgrounds to see themselves in a college classroom and gives them the confidence and resources needed to be successful in their future educational endeavors,” said Jennifer Brown, associate provost for Academic Affairs. “We are excited to include Waterbury Promise as a member of the Eastern family.”

Waterbury town leaders worked with Waterbury education leaders to start the scholarship program. “The partnership between Eastern Connecticut State University and the Waterbury Promise program will help break down the financial barriers our scholars face and set them up for future success,” said Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary in an emailed statement.

“I commend Eastern for their commitment and generosity; the opportunity to receive additional funding to attend Eastern will have a huge impact on our students in pursuing and completing their post-secondary education.”

The Waterbury Promise program hopes to eventually raise enough money to provide scholarships to all qualifying students in its school system.

“On behalf of the Waterbury Promise Board, I want to thank Eastern Connecticut State University for its partnership and commitment to mitigating the financial barrier to college for our scholars,” said Adrienne Parkmond, Waterbury Promise board chairwoman in an emailed statement. “The resources will truly make a difference by making college a reality and continuing to build a future workforce in our great state.”