Offering cash to inspire students

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Hartford leaders say schools are getting better and results are getting better, but to entice students to work harder and to be inspired they have another idea: money.

Hartford, Connecticut's capital city has a promise.

"I want talent in the Hartford public schools," said Dr. Christina Kihimoto, Hartford Superintendent, "the mayor wants talent, moving in."

The premise is basic, but bold: starting at the ninth grade level, get a 3.0 grade point average, meet attendance goals and you'll get cash for college.

"That ensures college scholarships for our students," said Kihimoto, "that we can provide financial support that is often an impediment for them to go on to college and career."

"The future of our city is at stake, the future of our economic success and economic development is at stake," said Mayor Pedro Segarra. "This is something of critical importance to the city."

$5,000 a year for a four-year school, half that for a two year institution. City leaders want future business leaders working in the skyline. There is still work to do, but there's nothing like building on a promise.

"I want to see our high school scores go up, because we're still not preparing our students as well as we should to be college ready," said Kihimoto.

"We're encouraged, we're making good progress to ensure closure of the achievement of the city," said Segarra.

The goal is to raise $12 million and there are already six different funders; names that will be released in about two to three weeks.

Meanwhile, Hartford's superintendent says they've closed the achievement gap between Hartford and the rest of the state by one-third.