Bank of America has named Hartford Promise and ReadyCT as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders®

Bank of America has named Hartford Promise and ReadyCT as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders® in recognition of their college and career readiness programs that prepare Connecticut’s next generation of students and young professionals for success in school and after graduation. Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders program continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, while providing multiyear flexible funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide.

Totaling $400,000 in funding to support college and career readiness, each Hartford-based nonprofit will receive a $200,000 grant over two years, in addition to comprehensive leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers. Since the program’s inception, 37 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Greater Hartford, with the bank investing $7.4 million in philanthropic capital into these nonprofits.

“The Neighborhood Builders program is about empowering local leaders who drive meaningful change in our communities,” said Joe Gianni, president, Bank of America Greater Hartford. “We recognize this year’s awardees, Hartford Promise and ReadyCT, for their vision and impact, and stand alongside partners like the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving in advancing educational and workforce opportunities. Together, we’re building stronger pathways for Connecticut youth.”

Hartford Promise is a college scholarship and college success program for Hartford public school students. The organization’s Integrated College Success Model helps drive economic mobility by providing students with the financial resources, support, and key relationships that lead to college success and meaningful employment. With Neighborhood Builders funding, Hartford Promise will strengthen and expand its college to career programming, to help create a more robust talent pool in Hartford.

“This Bank of America grant is a powerful vote of confidence not just in Hartford Promise but in Hartford’s young people,” said Dr. Sivan Hines, president, Hartford Promise. “It will allow us to deepen our college and career supports and ensures that more of our homegrown talent can stay, grow, and lead right here in our community.”

ReadyCT initiatives, including paid internships, career readiness bootcamps, industry mentorship, credentialing support, and post-high school transition guidance, help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace. In partnership with educators, employers, and community partners, ReadyCT prepares students for the workplace through skill-building and access to career pathways. Funding from the Neighborhood Builders program will help ReadyCT expand its reach across the state and open doors for more students.

“ReadyCT is delivering dynamic, hands-on programming across Connecticut’s public schools so students can truly understand the full range of opportunities available to them after graduation,” said Shannon Marimón, executive director, ReadyCT. “Much of this work is rooted in bringing employers directly into classrooms to help students see what’s possible and to connect learning with real-world careers.

“While higher education remains an important path to success, students also have meaningful options through apprenticeships, credentialing, and on-the-job training. The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award will significantly elevate our efforts—giving us the resources to reach more students, strengthen our leadership team, and deepen our impact in communities across the state.”

Neighborhood Builders is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. Since 2004, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has invested more than $346 million in communities across the U.S. and trained more than 4,000 leaders at nearly 2,000 U.S. nonprofits.