Two Connecticut nonprofits have been named 2025 Neighborhood Builders by Bank of America, officials said.
Bank of America honored Hartford Promise and ReadyCT for their college and career readiness programs that prepare Connecticut students and young professionals for success, the company said in a statement.
Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program is one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, according to officials.
Both Hartford-based nonprofits will receive a $200,000 grant over two years, in addition to leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, according to Bank of America officials.
“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.”
Since 2004, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has invested more than $346 million in communities across the U.S. Over the last 21 years, 37 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Greater Hartford, with the bank investing $7.4 million in philanthropic capital into area nonprofits, according to Bank of America officials.
Hartford Promise is a college scholarship and college success program for Hartford Public School students. With the new funding, Hartford Promise said it 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 of 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. The nonprofit said funding from the Neighborhood Builders program will help it 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 of 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,” Marimón said. “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.”
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected].