Preference is given to applicants meeting all or most of the following criteria: 1) Entering or currently enrolled in an eligible community college in the Greater Hartford region to pursue a certificate or associate's degree; 2) Either a graduating high school senior, or a post-high school adult learner, or a military veteran; 3) Residing, or attending high school, in the 29 town Greater Hartford region, with a preference for residents of Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford and Bloomfield; 4) Pursuing studies in the areas of science, medicine, engineering or technology; 5) In need of financial aid in order to attend college; and 6) Minimum enrollment of six credits (2 courses).