You WILL go to college

Hartford Public Schools, like many urban districts, struggles to improve student test scores and ultimately move those students beyond a high school education and into the world of higher education. Steppingstone Academy, located in Hartford, is in the business of scouting potential, developing that potential, and moving that potential forward.

Steppingstone searches for low-income, highly motivated students whose familie do not have a history of higher education. These students, known as "scholars" to their teachers, enroll in a 14 month program designed to motivate and educate.

The first stepping stone in this relatively new endeavor is to prepare the scholars for placement at local independent schools. Because this Academy is still so new, the long-term success can only be hoped for.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Steppingstone and observe their summer program. I was impressed with the staff, the students, and the systems in place. I have little doubt that this program will continue to grow and find success.