Student success has long been at the heart of Stanley Black & Decker’s investments in the University of Hartford. From monumental capital improvements to strengthening career readiness programs to building the scholars program that bears its name, Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) has been one of the University’s strongest corporate partners.
Now, thanks to a new $3 million gift, the corporation is building on this commitment in a new way—one with a special emphasis on Connecticut students and our local workforce.
“Stanley Black & Decker, Pratt & Whitney, and other industry leaders in Connecticut are stepping up to make significant investments into the University of Hartford. We recognize the talented pipeline of students receiving an exceptional and hands-on educational experience at UHart, and what that means for the future of our workforce in the state,” says Donald Allan Jr. ’86, president and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker and current chair of the University of Hartford Board of Regents.
Through a new transformational gift, SBD is doubling down on this commitment by providing scholarships to students from 29 towns within the Greater Hartford region, vital funds that will address rising unmet need among these students.
Beginning in 2025, the newly formed scholarships will be awarded to the top academically prepared incoming students from the Greater Hartford region with a special designation as Stanley Black & Decker Scholars. These students join the ranks of current scholars, selected each year, who enjoy access to SBD employees for monthly mentoring sessions, résumé-building workshops, and leadership development programs. They are also guaranteed first-round interviews for internships.
Donald Allan Jr. ’86, President and CEO, Stanley Black & Decker“We’re seeing more UHart graduates go on to become employees at Stanley Black & Decker. I think that’s a very powerful connection our students feel to the community, but it’s also a powerful connection between a corporation and a university.
The connection is especially meaningful here in Connecticut. Of the state’s private colleges and universities, the University of Hartford has the most alumni living and working in Connecticut, 31,567 reported in 2021. Addressing this need among Connecticut residents aligns with the vision UHart and SBD share to build a more equitable and resilient place to live, work, and play, right here in the Greater Hartford area.
Along with access and opportunity, these scholarships focus on another vital component of the student experience: career readiness. That preparedness for what the future holds is something special and unique to the institution, according to Allan, one that remains a priority for the University and its corporate partners, echoes Alex Coury, associate vice president for corporate partnerships and career experiences.
“At the University of Hartford, our commitment to student success extends beyond classroom learning,” says Coury. “Thanks to the support of dedicated corporate partners, like Stanley Black & Decker, our students have access to a variety of internship programs, networking events, career-preparation workshops, career fairs, and guest speakers.
“These are the immersive learning experiences that ensure UHart students enter the workforce with an understanding of company culture and expectations, business etiquette, soft skills, and the experiences to lead and excel.”
To learn more about the Stanley Black & Decker Scholars Program, and how you can help us prepare more talented deserving students for the workforce, contact Alex Coury, associate vice president for corporate partnerships and career experiences, at coury@hartford.edu.