Mission and History

ConnectiKids is an independent, non-profit youth development agency whose mission is to connect Hartford children and youth to their potential by building relationships and providing educational opportunities. ConnectiKids was founded by volunteers from the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in 1978 who began organization (formerly the West Middle School Committee) to provide after school tutoring and summer programming for neighborhood youth.

THE MISSION OF CONNECTIKIDS IS TO CONNECT HARTFORD CHILDREN AND YOUTH TO THEIR POTENTIAL BY BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.

WE BELIEVE

Statement of Principles for ConnectiKids

1. Each child has a unique learning style which can benefit from individual tutoring and from developing a strong, personal relationship with the tutor.
   
   
2. Arts and enrichment activities are as important as academics in the development of each child’s multiple intelligences.  A multifaceted after-school program will help students develop self-esteem by giving them a chance to succeed in various tasks.
   
   
3. High standards are essential.  We expect high standards from all ConnectiKids’ students, tutors, staff and board members in such areas as behavior, attendance, and mutual respect.
   
   
4. It is important to create a safe and happy environment where students, tutors, staff and board members are able to learn together and develop strong relationships.
   
   
5. A child best develops self-worth through positive reinforcement.
   
   
6. The children’s visits to professional work sites and relationships with professional people help the children to imagine a positive future.
   
   
7. Mutual respect and appreciation for different backgrounds, traditions, and interests lead to healthy relationships between the students, tutors, staff, and board members.
   
   
8. A holistic approach to working with children will in the long run enhance their lives and improve their ability to learn.  It is therefore important for the staff to know the families and to be aware of what challenges the children may face.
   
   
9. The ConnectiKids’ program fosters a sense of pride and ownership among the students, tutors, and all members of the staff and board.
   
   
10. ConnectiKids is accountable to the students and sponsors to assess the results of the program on a regular basis and to make changes where necessary.