Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE)

HYPE’s mission is to help young professionals become better engaged in community life, expand professional and social opportunities, and become ambassadors for the Hartford Region. In the process, we endeavor to position the Hartford Region as an attractive area for diverse young professionals and entrepreneurs to live, work, and play. HYPE caters to young professionals and entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s from the Hartford Region, though we invite professionals of all ages to participate. HYPE encourages cross-collaboration among agencies and organizations that offer programs and activities for young professionals and entrepreneurs. HYPE promotes the events and activities of others and acts as a clearinghouse as appropriate. What began as a focus group in 2006 has grown into one of America’s largest young professionals networks. HYPE was created in 2006 by the MetroHartford Alliance as a young professionals networking group to attract and retain talented individuals and successful businesses in the Hartford Region. The foundation for HYPE was laid by 15 young professionals who formed volunteer committees and established a listserve that grew to more than 1,700 young professionals in less than a year. Soon after its launch, HYPE implemented a formal membership structure and now boasts more than 4,000 members. A core group of volunteers continues to manage and direct HYPE endeavors including social activities, professional development programs, community service volunteer opportunities, and civic events. Volunteer committees coordinate each HYPE function while the MetroHartford Alliance provides staff support to the Ambassadors group and its subcommittees.