Education and Career Pathways

The Foundation is committed to expanding access to opportunity through education and pathways to careers in growing economic sectors.

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The Promising Scholars Fund supports the next generation of Black leaders. Credit: Contributed

Scholarships at The Foundation

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarship funds that benefit local students. Some are open to students from different schools. Other scholarships are designated for graduates of specific schools or attendees of specific colleges and institutions.

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To, through and back

New Haven Promise

With its three pillars— "To, Through, and Back" — New Haven Promise provides: scholarships of up to full tuition ("To"); support and mentorship during higher education to ensure on-time graduation ("Through"); and meaningful job experience including paid internships with local employers ("and Back").

New Haven Promise has been the Foundation's largest programmatic funding commitment since it was co-created in 2010 with the City of New Haven. The Foundation is a core founder and funder along with Yale University and Yale Hospital. 

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Career Pathways For Inclusive Growth

The Foundation supports inclusive career pathways in local economic growth sectors that provide quality jobs (those that pay a living wage, offer meaningful benefits, predictable schedules, stable income and worker engagement). We have a specific focus on supporting organizations that work with the following populations:

  • BIPOC Populations (Black, Indigenous, and people of color)
  • Women
  • Returning Citizens
  • Immigrants
  • Other underserved populations
A close-up map showing parts of Connecticut and Long Island, highlighting cities such as New Haven, Bridgeport, Montauk, and Southampton. The map includes water borders and surrounding areas.

The Labor Market Study of Greater New Haven and The Valley analyzes the landscape of middle skill jobs in Greater New Haven and uncovers challenges and opportunities for both employers and job seekers.

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Teaching Market-ready Skills

Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (ConnCAT)

ConnCAT was launched in 2012 with seed money from The Community Foundation in order to provide skills and life opportunities to men and women who have struggled to find or keep jobs.

Modeled on Pittsburgh's Manchester Bidwell Corporation — an internationally recognized arts and education center founded by MacArthur Fellow Bill Strickland — ConnCAT provides market-relevant job training, career placement services and entrepreneurship opportunities. Current programs include medical coding, phlebotomy and culinary arts. It also provides after-school arts programming for a targeted urban youth student population identified as being at risk of dropping out of school.


How can we help?

Yolanda Caldera-Durant

Vice President for Program and Community Engagement

203-777-7089

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