This fall, the New Haven Hiring Initiative (the NHHI) connected with families, students, and emerging professionals across the city—strengthening community ties and raising awareness of career pathways at Yale.
The NHHI participated in six Trunk or Treat celebrations where families enjoyed career-themed coloring pages, sweet treats, and information about upcoming programs and events. In addition, six sessions of our monthly Employment Readiness Series have engaged over 100 attendees, supporting community members as they prepare for future employment opportunities.
In partnership with Talent Acquisition colleague Abigail Colón, the NHHI joined Eli Whitney Technical High School’s IT Shop Program Advisory meeting, engaging with motivated future IT professionals and enjoying a lunch prepared by the school’s culinary arts program.
The NHHI also engaged with community members at the Yale Powwow of Light, which took place in Commons on November 1, 2025. Presented by the Yale Native American Cultural Center and the Yale Schwarzman Center and sponsored by the Beinecke Library, the event brought together community members who visited the NHHI table eager to learn about possible opportunities at Yale University.
The NHHI continued its outreach at the College and Career Fair hosted by Higher Heights and the Dixwell Community Youth Council at the Dixwell Q House on October 29. High school students from across Greater New Haven explored internship opportunities, learned about careers at Yale, and discovered pathways to stay engaged through New Haven Promise.
This fall also included career fairs at Eli Whitney Technical High School—where students explored skilled trade opportunities in electrical engineering, culinary arts, plumbing, and carpentry—and at Southern Connecticut State University, where graduating seniors inquired about full-time roles and IT-focused internships.
Additionally, Maya Polan, NHHI Program Manager, and Fallon Thomas, Community Outreach and Engagement, represented the NHHI at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s 30th Anniversary celebration of the Community Fund for Women & Girls. The NHHI is a proud supporter of the fund, which fuels many partnerships that help strengthen our community-to-career pipeline.
