Hire a Scholar

This page is for businesses and hiring managers to tap into Promise’s talent pool. Scholars and Alumni seeking paid internship or job opportunities should visit this page.

1. Promise Talent Program

New Haven Promise is building a high-quality, well-educated workforce for area employers by incentivizing high school students to excel and prepare for college, career, and civic success. Since launching in 2014, Promise has brokered more than 1,500 internships and job placements with over 160 local organizations.

The Talent Program is a key part of the Back New Haven initiative. By offering internships and entry-level opportunities, businesses help scholars gain on-the-job experience and develop in-demand skills. See the full impact of Back New Haven and a list of hiring organization here.

2. Benefits to Employers

Promise Scholars and Alumni are smart, diverse, college educated, career-ready, have little-to-no college debt and are committed to giving back to New Haven and the neighborhoods that invested in them. Our expertise helps businesses reduce training time and retain high-quality talent. When companies hire homegrown talent, they are gaining employees who are part of the community and ready to make an impact from day one.

Access an elite talent pool
Develop and mentor proven young talent
Secure high-talent staffing for current projects
Groom prospective employees who can meet future needs
Enhance public reputation and invest in city youth as a Promise partner

Scholar General Profiles

100% from New Haven

90% are students of color

85% attend in-state college

71% are from household that earn under $60k

70% are first-generation to college

43% come from the six most unemployed and underemployed New Haven neighborhoods

38% are from household that earn under $30k

3. Timeline for Hiring a Promise Scholar

September to December	January to April	May	June - August	Late August
Host an Intern If your company recruits in the fall, join our Virtual Internship, Job & Career Fair in late September Commit to hosting an intern Secure funding Create job description	Meet and Hire Attend our annual in-person Internship, Job & Career Fair in early January Source candidate pool & interview for internships and/or full-time positions Connect with our graduating seniors as they launch their full-time career search	Orientation Managers prepare for intern Orientation and training I-9 and employment paperwork	Internship Interns participate in professional development and contribute to your organization	Evaluation Supervisors provide intern evaluations Interns update resumes

4. Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can participate?

All Promise Scholars and Alumni in good-standing are eligible to participate. Promise has 750-800 Scholars in college and hundreds of newly-minted college graduates.

2. Are all internships and jobs paid?

Yes. Paid internships and jobs allow Scholars to focus on gaining valuable experience without financial stress. Summer earnings also help minimize their college debt.

3. What is the budget for an internship?

$3,000 – $8,000 per internship or $16 – $20 per hour.

4. Can Scholars get college credit?

Yes, it must be approved by their college.

5. Can we offer part-time internships?

The minimum for an internship is 25 hours per week, but most are 37.5 hours per week.

6. How long is an internship?

Most internships are 10 – 12 weeks long and can extend into the academic year. Minimally, internships should be 6 weeks.

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