Bank of America Boosts College, Career Readiness Programs

Bank of America has named Hartford Promise and ReadyCT as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders in recognition of their college and career readiness programs.

Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program invests in nonprofit leadership development by providing multi-year flexible funding to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide. 

Hartford Promise and ReadyCT will receive a $200,000 grant over two years as part of the program to support Connecticut’s next generation of students and young professionals for success.

The Hartford-area nonprofits will also receive comprehensive leadership training for each organization’s executive director and an emerging leader and gain 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,” Bank of America Greater Hartford president Joe Gianni said. 

Student Success

Gianni noted that Hartford Promise and ReadyCT were recognized “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,” he said. 

In partnership with educators, employers, and community partners, ReadyCT prepares students for the workplace through skill-building and access to career pathways.

“Together, we’re building stronger pathways for Connecticut youth.”

Bank of America’s Joe Gianni

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,” ReadyCT executive director Shannon Marimón said.

“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. 

“This 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.”

College Program

Hartford Promise is a college scholarship and college success program for Hartford public school students.

With Neighborhood Builders funding, Hartford Promise leaders said they will be able to strengthen and expand the organization’s college-to-career programming and help create a more robust talent pool in Hartford.

“This grant is a powerful vote of confidence in Hartford’s young people.”

Hartford Promise’s Sivan Hines

“This Bank of America grant is a powerful vote of confidence not just in Hartford Promise but in Hartford’s young people,” president Dr. Sivan Hines said.

“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.”