Hartford Youth Scholars

09/12/2026

Partnerships like this make our work possible.

We are incredibly grateful to The Petit Family Foundation for its generous support of The Collegiate Academy and its belief in the potential of Hartford’s young people. This investment will help our Scholars strengthen their academic foundations, build confidence, and prepare for the opportunities ahead.

Thank you, Dr. Petit and the entire Petit Family Foundation team, for investing in our Scholars and Hartford’s future.

🌟 Investing in Hartford’s Future!

We are proud to support Youth Scholars, an organization empowering young people to reach their full potential and create brighter futures.

Through The Collegiate Academy (TCA), Scholars receive the academic preparation, mentorship, and guidance they need to thrive in challenging coursework and pursue new educational opportunities. Their commitment is inspiring—these dedicated students work hard, overcome obstacles, and make meaningful sacrifices today to build a stronger tomorrow.

By providing the tools, support, and encouragement students need to succeed, Hartford Youth Scholars is helping to open doors and change the trajectory of young lives across Hartford. We are honored to stand behind their important work and the incredible young people they serve.

📸 Pictured: Katie Powers, Sr. Director of External Relations
Dr. Bill Petit, President, Petit Family Foundation
Anthony Byers, Executive Director, Hartford Youth Scholars

08/05/2026

We Bring Our Scholars Beyond the Books!

Four HYS Scholars recently joined HYS leadership for an unforgettable educational and cultural experience on Nantucket, hosted by our incredible champion, Mrs. Bailey! 💙

Together, we walked the Black Heritage Trail, explored the Whaling Museum, heard from the Executive Director of the Nantucket Historical Society, and shared the HYS story with more than a dozen new friends over lunch.

Experiences like these expand horizons, inspire curiosity, and remind our Scholars that learning has no limits!

07/30/2026

HYS proudly celebrates another of our extraordinary Summer Academy faculty members, writing teacher Dr. Nicole Young-Martin!

Affectionately known as Dr. CoCo, she transforms the classroom into a space where fine and performing arts, literature, and our Scholars' lived experiences come together to inspire creativity, confidence, and self-expression.

More than a writing teacher, Dr. CoCo empowers Scholars to discover their voices, share their stories, and recognize the power of their own experiences. Thank you for helping our Scholars write with purpose, speak with confidence, and dream without limits.

07/30/2026

Today we celebrate another of our outstanding faculty members, Kibbs Fortilus!

A year-round educator with Hartford Youth Scholars, Kibbs inspires Scholars to explore literature through a philosophical lens—challenging them to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and see the world from new perspectives.

As an avid world traveler, Kibbs understands the transformative power of being a global citizen. He encourages every Scholar to embrace curiosity, seek new experiences, and broaden their horizons. His mentorship has already made a lasting impact, including inspiring Scholar Malik, who recently returned from an immersive educational and cultural experience in South Korea.

07/28/2026

As we celebrate the fifth and final week of Summer Academy, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible educators who make The Collegiate Academy so special.

What sets our faculty apart? They return year after year, providing consistency in curriculum, exceptional instruction, and meaningful mentorship. Just as importantly, our Scholars see themselves reflected in the dedicated adults who inspire them every day.

We're kicking off our faculty spotlights by recognizing Ms. Orie, our outstanding science teacher, who has been teaching at The Collegiate Academy year-round for an amazing 11 years!

Thank you, Ms. Orie, for your unwavering commitment to our Scholars and for helping ignite a lifelong love of learning, curiosity, and discovery.

07/23/2026

As we continue our Community Speaker Series, we were thrilled to welcome Tiffany Donelson, President and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation!

Mrs. Donelson shared her inspiring educational journey—from high school, to earning her bachelor's degree in biology from Georgetown University, and her master's in public health from Emory University. Her lived experiences helped shape her passion and career dedicated to advancing equitable and accessible health care for all.

Her message to our Scholars was powerful: Let rejection be what pushes you forward—not the reason you stop. Sometimes, changing your plans can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Thank you, Mrs. Donelson, for sharing your story, wisdom, and encouragement with our Scholars!

07/22/2026

A Wonderful World Cup Experience in Our Hometown!

Nearly 35 Hartford Youth Scholar alumni, faculty, and staff came together for a fun afternoon filled with soccer, laughter, and reconnection. We are so grateful to Hartford Athletic for providing such an incredible setting and creating an amazing opportunity for the Hartford community to come together and embrace our global connections through culture and sports.

Thank you for helping make this World Cup experience so special!

Hartford Athletic

07/20/2026

Hartford Youth Scholars was delighted to welcome current Board Member and Past Board Chair Denis Horrigan and his colleagues from CT Wealth Management to Summer Academy!

Their visit came with two wonderful gifts: a $25,000 grant to support our Scholars' educational journey and a refreshing round of popsicles for Scholars that made their hot summer day sweeter.

Thank you, CT Wealth Management, for your generous investment in our mission and for taking the time to connect with our Scholars. Your partnership is helping power young minds and shape bright futures.

07/16/2026

On Monday, July 13, The Collegiate Academy hosted its second Summer Dean's List Brunch for Scholars who made the Dean's List in Spring 2026.

Established in Fall 2024, the Academy Dean's list recognizes Scholars who have achieved two or more "Passing with Distinction" grades in their classes during a semester.

This Spring, 26 Scholars were recognized on the Dean's List. 11 of the Scholar passed all Spring classes (Science, ELA, and Math) with distinction!

Congratulations, Dean's List Scholars!!