Early Promise Academic Program

Early Promise is a comprehensive academic support program designed to help Club members continue their education after high school—through college, trades, or certificate programs. This initiative supports young people from kindergarten through their first job, providing critical academic, emotional, and financial guidance along the way.

When Early Promise began, no Club members were planning to pursue post-secondary education. Today, 42 young people are enrolled in degree programs, and 31 have already graduated from college. Our goal is to grow the number of students in post-secondary education from 31 to 70 each year.

We are also working to grow our endowment to launch the final phase of Early Promise. In this phase, we will match the efforts of our students by providing debt-free education to those who demonstrate a strong commitment to their education and their community.

Early Promise is transforming lives—opening doors to meaningful careers, economic opportunity, and brighter futures. As these young people succeed, their families, communities, and our state all benefit.

In 2009 there were no Club members consistently continuing their post-secondary education. In 2025 there are over 40 Early Promise Scholarship Recipients and the program has 31 college graduates!

Early Promise Program

Hope • Education • Success

The goal of the Early Promise Program is to provide meaningful academic opportunities and support from kindergarten through high school graduation that builds the skills necessary for higher education and a good career. This work supports the Club’s overall mission to fill gaps left by school and home.

Early Promise Academic Program

Early Promise is a comprehensive academic support program designed to help Club members continue their education after high school—through college, trades, or certificate programs. This initiative supports young people from kindergarten through their first job, providing critical academic, emotional, and financial guidance along the way.

When Early Promise began, no Club members were planning to pursue post-secondary education. Today, 42 young people are enrolled in degree programs, and 31 have already graduated from college. Our goal is to grow the number of students in post-secondary education from 31 to 70 each year.

We are also working to grow our endowment to launch the final phase of Early Promise. In this phase, we will match the efforts of our students by providing debt-free education to those who demonstrate a strong commitment to their education and their community.

Early Promise is transforming lives—opening doors to meaningful careers, economic opportunity, and brighter futures. As these young people succeed, their families, communities, and our state all benefit.

In 2009 there were no Club members consistently continuing their post-secondary education. In 2025 there are over 40 Early Promise Scholarship Recipients and the program has 31 college graduates!

“Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude for the Boys & Girls Club. As I enter my senior year of college, the unwavering support from the staff continues to guide me. Even as I embark on new adventures in life, I always find my way back home to the Club. I stay in regular touch with my friends and mentors here and I work hard every day to get closer to my dream of attending medical school.”

- Kale Torwini, Club member since 2012

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"

- Nelson Mandela

Early Promise Scholars

We currently provide partial scholarships to all Early Promise graduates while they are enrolled in a post-secondary education program. Today there are more than 100 kids enrolled in Early Promise, working their way to success. Since 2018, we have given over $700,000 in scholarships to Early Promise Recipients!

2025 Early Promise Scholarship Recipients

Djamal A. University of Vermont
Abass A. Vermont State University
Olivier A. Saint Michael's College
Abdullah A. Saint Michael's College
Ali A. Castleton University
Dadir A. University of Vermont
Sarah A. University of Vermont
Kali A. Community College of Vermont
Khamis A. Norwich University
Jonathan A. Castleton University
Ngang A. Saint Michael's College
Hawa A. Vermont State University
Majeni A. Vermont State University
Rukiya A. VTSU Randolph
Beinfait B. Norwich University
Vivienne B. University of Vermont
Tre B. Vermont State University
Moses Doe University of Vermont/Barber Apprentice
Mauwa Felekeni Midwestern State University
Senga Felekeni Midwestern State University

Gamana H. SUNY Morrisville
Atika H. Community College of Vermont
Farhiya H. Community College of Vermont
Bill H. Champlain College
Faizo H. Southern New Hampshire University
Hilowle I. Community College of Vermont
Dahiro I. Vermont State University
Yusuf I. American International College
Kingston K. SUNY Plattsburgh
Najma M. Saint Michael's College
Hawa M. Vermont State University
Michel N. Bridgeport University
Misky N. Community College of Vermont
Yassin N. Community College of Vermont
Caleb P. Electrician Apprentice Program
Sharif S. Norwich University
Abdi S. The Phelps School
Sanii S. Emmanuel College
Henry T. University of Vermont
Ledum T. University of Vermont
Tedum T. Castleton University
Suanu T. VTSU Randolph
Djamal A. University of Vermont

Early Promise Graduates

Yusuf A. University of Vermont, B.A.
Makahil A. Northern Vermont University - Lyndon, B.A.
Deluxe B. Advanced Welding Institute
Abdullah B. University of Vermont, B.S.
Zeynep B. University of Vermont, B.S.
Madilyn B. University of Vermont
Earl B. Vermont Technical College, B.S., Simmons University, M.S.
Urmila C. University of Vermont, B.S.
Akuch D. University of Vermont, B.A.
Hassan D. Keene State College, B.A.
Tumba F. Castleton University, B.S.
Ashley G. Northern Vermont University - Johnson, B.S.
Aden H. University of Vermont, B.A.
Farhan H. Unversity of Vermont, B.S.
LC H. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, B.A.
Jamila I. Vermont State University, B.S.
Sandrine K. Northern Vermont University - Johnson, B.A.
Williams K. University of Vermont, B.A.
Rida K. Central Connecticut State University, B.S.
Ismail L. Champlain College B.S.B.A.
Noor L. Champlain College, B.A.
Binti M. University of Vermont, B.S.
Francoise M. Northern Vermont University - Johnson, B.A.
Tanasia M. Community College of Vermont, A.A.
Deborah M. University of Vermont, B.S.W.
Donavan M. Siena College, B.S.
Amerlin N. Norwich University, B.A.
Saran O. Southern New Hampshire University, B.S.
Janvier Sessegnon Saint Michael's College, B.S.
Raven Tahair Champlain College, B.S., M.B.A.
Kale T. Middlebury College B.S.

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