Women in Transition Endowed Fund (WIT)

Governor Jodi Rell, Jackie (WIT Student) and Dr. Merle Harris, Former President COSC

Governor M. Jodi Rell, Sonja Harris (WIT Student) and Dr. Merle Harris, Former President COSC at a WIT fundraiser in the Governor's Mansion

The Foundation’s Women in Transition program assists low-wage, single mothers earn a college degree in order to help break the cycle of poverty, instill the importance of education onto their children, and become active participants in their communities.  Participants are provided a laptop, Internet access, textbooks, scholarships for courses and fees, and academic/career/personal counseling – all of which help to break down the barriers to postsecondary education for disadvantaged and underserved mothers.

Over the last ten years, the College and the Foundation have supported 146 participants. For 2009-2010, the Foundation has committed $8,000 to support at least 4 single mothers.

WIT GraduatesI want to personally thank you for giving me this opportunity to complete my bachelor’s degree through this grant. It has been 5 years since I last attended school, but look forward to going to a new level in education and in life.  Without these funds it would have been a hardship for me to afford the cost of education. This is such a great opportunity. Cheechee Bush, WIT participant

I am supporting the WIT Endowment to help women who want to study, but who do not have an employer benefit as I did.  I was a mature age student, working 40 hours a week and traveling for my job when I decided to study for a B.S. Without the scholarship from my employer, it would have been difficult to fund my own education. My support of the WIT Endowment is my small way of giving back. – Christine Visick, Foreign Service, U.S. Embassy in Madagascar

We appreciate the past and current supporters of this program – especially The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.   Other supporters include -NewAlliance Foundation, The Daphne Culpeper Seybolt Foundation, The Junior League of Greater New Britain, CHUBB, Carrier Foundation, New Britain Foundation for Public Giving,  The Leipoold Family Foundation, The Linford & Mildred White Family Foundation, Northeast Utilities, and the Women and Girls Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation.