Students do not apply for this scholarship, they must qualify. What does that mean? To officially become a Promise Scholar:
Student is a Waterbury resident
Student has attended all four years at a Waterbury Public School, Kaynor Technical School or Holy Cross High School
Student has earned a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Student has achieved a 90% or better cumulative attendance
Student has completed and submitted a FAFSA
Student has applied and has been accepted to a 2 year or 4 year Connecticut accredited college or university
If you qualify, you will be notified by your school counselor. If you have not been notified of your eligibility, and you think you qualify, reach out to your counselor, and they will follow up on your behalf. Please note that ‘on track’ students must remain on track through the end of their senior year in order to be a Promise Scholar.
What are the key dates for the Waterbury Promise Scholarship?
October 1: Students begin to complete their FAFSA forms.
Late October: Promise Scholarship payments are made to all colleges for the fall semester.
November: High School Eligible Scholar Lists are sent to Waterbury Promise.
February 15: Students must complete their FAFSA. In the case of undocumented students, a waiver can be granted.
March 1: Promise Scholarship payments are made to all colleges for the spring semester.
Mid-April: Final deadline for on-track Promise Scholars to return completed Scholar Information Forms and required waivers.
May 1: College decisions are made, and deposits are due. On-track Promise Scholars must notify Waterbury Promise of their college decision as soon as possible through our College Decision Form.
Early July: Official Promise Scholar list is confirmed.
Late July-Early August: Promise Scholar Day and Celebration
I qualify as a Waterbury Promise Scholar! What's next?
Congratulations! At the end of your senior year, you will be asked to provide your school counselor with your best email address. Using that email address, Waterbury Promise will reach out to you and request that you complete a series of simple forms, waivers, proof of residency, proof of FAFSA completion and have applied to at least two other scholarships.
What is the scholarship award?
Current Class of 2022: Awarded up to $1,250 per student per year of college. Current Class of 2023: Awarded up to $2,500 per student per year of college. Current Class of 2024: Awarded up to $3,750 per student per year of college. Current Class of 2025: Awarded up to $5,000 per student per year of college. The Promise Scholarship is applied to any balance remaining after all other scholarships, grants and financial aid, including federal student loans, are applied to your account. This means that if your remaining balance is equal to or more than your scholarship, you will receive the full Promise award. If your balance is less than your scholarship, you will receive that lesser amount. If your balance is $0, you will not need the Promise Scholarship for that given year. All awards are paid directly to your college/university. If you do not receive the full award, the unused funds do not roll over and are not available in the following years.
Where can I find scholarship funds available exclusively for Promise Scholars?
We have several college partners providing additional funds for our scholars, here is the current list:
These colleges provide a scholarship match to Promise Scholars who are admitted to their school: University of Connecticut - full match of up to $5,000. This match does not apply to Scholars who transfer to UCONN. Eastern Connecticut State University - Match of up to $5,000. Post University - Match of up to $5,000. University of New Haven: Minimum $25,000 tuition scholarship.
Remember you can use our scholarship at any accredited Connecticut undergraduate college or university.
What does the Waterbury Promise Scholarship pay for?
The award will help pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and any other fees the university/college charges directly to the student after all grants, scholarships, discounts, tuition benefits, federal student loans and any other financial aid have been applied (this list is not inclusive). It cannot be used to cover penalties charged to the students whether it be parking fees, late fees or damage fees.
Where can I use the Waterbury Promise scholarship?
Students may attend any accredited undergraduate college or university in Connecticut. This scholarship cannot be used at technical or trade schools, as this is a college-based scholarship program.
How does my college receive Waterbury Promise award payment?
All payments will be made directly to your college’s Student Financial Services/Bursar’s Office. All checks will be made on behalf of Waterbury Promise by way of the Connecticut Community Foundation.
Students must accept their financial aid packages before award amounts can be determined. This timing will vary by college, but we suggest you do this as early as possible. Our award amount may not be reflected in your account until late August/ early September. Most colleges will initially post our scholarship as a pending item on your fee bill. The actual award payments are received by the beginning of November.
What if I want to take a year off?
Promise Scholars have 5 years of eligibility to receive 4 years of scholarship payments towards a Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of eligibility to receive 2 years of scholarship payments towards an Associate’s Degree. This allows for a gap year to be taken.
Would a student still receive the scholarship if they only attend college part-time?
The Waterbury Promise Scholarship is for full time college or university enrollment.
What do I need to do to continue receiving my scholarship?
Students must begin using the scholarship within one year of high school graduation.
Rising Freshmen:
Complete all Waterbury Promise information forms and college release forms.
Complete and submit your college decision form and notify us of any changes in your plans.
Respond to all requests for information and make sure that contact information is current and up to date.
Returning Scholars:
Be enrolled full time and be in good academic standing with your school.
Complete our annual survey.
Keep contact information current and up to date.
Notify us of college transfers.
Maintain an updated FERPA (release of information form) at your college/university.
What if I have an academic setback?
You do not need to maintain a 3.0 GPA in college, you need only be in good academic standing at your school. If you find yourself on academic probation, please reach out to us! This may be hard for you to do, but you need a plan and support. We can be incredibly helpful!
What if I transfer schools?
Your scholarship will travel with you as long as younotify Waterbury Promise of your change. As a matter of fact, we encourage students attending a 2-year program to transfer to a 4-year program. Transfer students must continue to attend a fully accredited Connecticut institution. Please notify usof any updates as soon as they are confirmed.
Can I use my scholarship for study abroad programs?
Yes, you can, as long as it is billed through your enrolled college or university. When choosing your program please keep this in mind.
Where can I find other scholarships and grants to supplement my Promise award?
Waterbury Promise is funded by the City of Waterbury and private support from families, individuals, corporations, and foundations from Greater Waterbury and beyond. We are currentlyraising funds to provide the scholarship for every qualifying Waterbury student in high school today.
How do I get more involved?
Thanks for your interest in Waterbury Promise! GET INVOLVED.
