Make a Difference Today: Volunteer with Carver and Empower the Next Generation

Carver is a community built on compassion, opportunity, and shared purpose. Each year, we serve nearly 3,000 K-12 students across Norwalk, helping young people discover their strengths and reach their full potential. And at the heart of that mission are our volunteers.

Whether you're a retired teacher, a high school senior, a working professional, or a community member looking to give back, there’s a place for you at Carver. Volunteers bring kindness, encouragement, and a sense of community spirit to every classroom, activity, and event. No matter how much time you have to give—once a week or just occasionally—your presence can be genuinely transformative for a young person.

What Do Carver Volunteers Do?
You don’t need to be a teacher or an expert—just someone who cares. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Tutoring and homework help

• STEAM enrichments (from science experiments to creative arts)

• College and career preparation

• Mentorship and life skills support

• Health and wellness activities

• Event support, fundraising, and marketing

We also welcome corporate, school, and community groups who want to support Carver through one-day service projects, community events, or creative engagement opportunities.

Why Volunteer?
When you volunteer at Carver, you’re becoming part of a movement to create equity in education, inspire the next generation of leaders, and build a stronger, more connected community. Your time and talent can shape a life.

Join the Carver Community
Carver is an inclusive environment where people of all skill sets and backgrounds are welcome. After submitting a simple application, we’ll help match your interests and availability with meaningful opportunities and provide an orientation to get you started.

Ready to make an impact?
Click the “Apply to Be a Volunteer” button here, on our volunteer page, or email us at info@the-carver.org with any questions.

Because every hour you give is a step toward a brighter future for our students and our community.

Bridging Art and Education: Carver’s Rising 9th Graders Thrive at The Norwalk Art Space

This summer, Carver’s rising 9th-grade students at Norwalk High School are stepping into high school with creativity, confidence, and community—thanks to Carver’s special partnership with The Norwalk Art Space.

As part of Carver’s summer transition program for rising 9th graders, Carver students participate in workshops and mentorship sessions at The Norwalk Art Space, a nonprofit arts hub (located within walking distance of the Carver Community Center). The Norwalk Art Space is renowned for providing free, high-quality art and music education to underserved youth. Housed in the stunning ADK House, the Art Space is a beacon of opportunity and inclusion, making the arts accessible to all, and Carver students are right at its heart.

Through this dynamic partnership, Carver students of all ages engage directly with local artists and educators, learning new techniques, exploring personal expression, and building confidence in their creative voice. Whether sketching in the galleries, exploring contemporary art exhibitions, or engaging in hands-on music and visual arts instruction, students are discovering that art is a powerful means of telling their stories and shaping their future.

Since the founding of The Norwalk Art Space, Carver students have benefited from a deep and sustained relationship built on shared values of equity, access, and creative exploration. Together, the two organizations co-host annual highlights, such as the Norwalk Citywide Student Art Show, where Carver students proudly showcase their work alongside peers from across the city.

For these rising 9th graders, summer at The Norwalk Art Space is a doorway to a vibrant, inclusive arts community that will continue to support and inspire them as they take their next steps into high school and beyond.

As always, Carver is proud to partner with local organizations, such as The Norwalk Art Space, to ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also artistically empowered to become bold thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners.

Color, Chemistry, and Creativity: Roton’s Rising 6th Graders Explore STEAM through Tie-Dye

At Carver’s Summer Transition Program for rising 6th graders at Roton Middle School, learning is anything but ordinary—and neither are the t-shirts!

Under the guidance of Program Coordinator Dean Vaccaro, a National Board Certified U.S. History teacher and longtime Director of the R.A.M.S. (Carver) Afterschool Program, students are immersing themselves in a dynamic STEAM curriculum designed to ease the transition to middle school through hands-on, high-impact experiences. One such experience was the much-anticipated tie-dye t-shirt project—a colorful highlight that beautifully combined Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math into one vibrant afternoon.

Led by Roton’s beloved Art Teacher, Stef Bronner, and her daughter Ricki, this creative adventure helped students turn plain white shirts into wearable works of art. But more than just a fun activity, the project was an intentional and layered lesson in cross-disciplinary learning.

The STEAM Behind the Swirls

• Science came alive as students learned about how dyes bond to cotton, witnessing firsthand chemical reactions and the principles of capillary action.

• Technology & Engineering were folded into the process—literally—as students explored different tie and rubber band techniques to create symmetry and structural designs.

• Art took center stage, encouraging every student to tap into their own creativity and expressive instincts, choosing colors, patterns, and folding styles that reflected their personalities.

• Mathematics subtly guided the work, from creating geometric patterns to understanding symmetry and predicting how color overlaps would appear.

Why Tie-Dye Matters

This simple-looking project packs a serious educational punch:

• It builds skills: From fine motor control to creative decision-making, students developed dexterity, patience, and problem-solving abilities.

• It reinforces learning: Observing dye movement, mixing primary colors, and testing different patterns served as engaging mini-labs in scientific inquiry and artistic exploration.

• It boosts confidence: Students lit up when they saw their finished shirts—each one as unique as the student who made it. That pride and ownership are powerful motivators for continued learning.

• It brings people together: Sharing ideas, helping each other with designs, and showing off their final shirts built a sense of belonging and joy that will carry over into the school year.

As Stef and Ricki Bronner reminded students during the project, art isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels, what it teaches, and the memories it creates. For these soon-to-be middle schoolers, tie-dyeing wasn’t just an arts-and-crafts break—it was a meaningful lesson in creativity, curiosity, and community.

And judging by the smiles and the rainbow-hued shirts hanging out to dry, it’s safe to say: mission accomplished.

21st Century Funds Restored: Carver to Resume Scholars Program at Six Norwalk Elementary Schools

The federal government has restored $1.3 billion in 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding, allowing Carver to resume its flagship Scholars Program for the 2025–2026 school year at six Norwalk elementary schools.

The U.S. Department of Education announced that the Office of Management and Budget completed its review and released the funds, which had been frozen for several weeks as part of a broader Trump administration review of nearly $7 billion in education grants.

This means that Carver’s Scholars Program will officially resume this fall at the following six Norwalk elementary schools:

• Brookside Elementary School

• Tracey Magnet School

• Fox Run Elementary School

• Kendall College and Career Academy

• Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School

• Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School

Decisions are still pending regarding Carver’s capacity to deliver the Scholars Program at these three additional schools:

• Naramake Elementary School

• Concord Magnet School

• Marvin Elementary School

Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, called the release of the federal funds “an enormous sigh of relief” for thousands of communities nationwide. We at Carver couldn’t agree more.

We are deeply grateful for the bipartisan leadership at every level of government—from Congress to local school officials—who stood up for children and families by advocating for the timely release of these critical funds.

Their commitment sends a powerful message: investing in kids is a national priority.

While we celebrate this win, we recognize that after-school programs like Scholars remain a vital lifeline for working families, helping to close achievement gaps and providing every child with a safe, enriching place to grow.

We are ready. We are grateful. And we remain committed. Carver looks forward to welcoming our Scholars back this fall.

West Rocks and Ponus Ridge Students Dive into Learning at The Maritime Aquarium

Rising 6th graders from Carver’s Summer Transition Programs at West Rocks Middle School and Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy recently came together for a shared adventure at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk—a day filled with discovery, laughter, and learning beneath the sea and beyond.

The highlight of the trip was a viewing of "Bear & Squirrel 4D," an 11-minute immersive film from Aardman Animations, the same studio behind Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run. This heartwarming and hilariously action-packed short follows a selfish young bear and a brave squirrel who must learn to work together after being swept away on a magical tour of the animal kingdom. With lions, pandas, monkeys, and sea lions making surprise appearances, the story left students giggling and reflecting on lessons in friendship, generosity, and teamwork.

The 4D experience truly brought the story to life—complete with vibrating seats, wind gusts, mist, scents, and even bubbles—adding thrilling layers to the bear and squirrel’s journey. For many of our students, this was their first 4D movie, and they were captivated by the multisensory adventure.

Beyond the theater, students explored the aquarium’s interactive exhibits—from the shark and ray touch tanks to live displays of marine life native to Long Island Sound and beyond. They marveled at the new 150,000-gallon seal exhibit and watched in awe as harbor seals glided gracefully through the water.

This joint field trip provided students from both schools with an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build confidence as they prepared to transition into middle school. Many left the aquarium inspired—not only by the wonders of marine science but also by the powerful message of teamwork that echoed throughout the day.

Thank you to The Maritime Aquarium for hosting such an enriching experience for our students—and for reminding us that the best way forward is often together.

Thank You, Mr. Richards!

Carver extends its deepest gratitude to Michael Richards for his exceptional leadership and dedication to our students at West Rocks Middle School. As a longtime Carver teacher, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Subject Area Leader, and Director of Carver’s Summer Transition Program, Mr. Richards continues to inspire both students and colleagues through his commitment to academic excellence, fostering a positive school culture, and providing meaningful enrichment experiences. His work has helped countless rising 6th graders feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive. Thank you, Mr. Richards, for all you do!

The Community Fund of Darien Grants $45,000 to Carver, Strengthening Youth Success Across Norwalk

L-R: Nikki LaFaye, Carver Director of Philanthropy; Maggie Domont, Executive Director, The Community Fund of Darien; Emily Berliet. Carver Senior Development Manager

The Carver community is deeply grateful to The Community Fund of Darien for awarding us a generous $45,000 grant for general operating support in 2025. This renewed and vital funding allows Carver to continue doing what we do best—providing transformative academic, social-emotional, and enrichment programming to more than 3,000 students across all K-12 Norwalk Public Schools.

The Community Fund of Darien has long been a champion of strong communities. Since 1951, thanks to the generosity of its many donors, the Fund has granted over $29 million to local nonprofits and community initiatives, supporting access to food, housing, healthcare, job and skills training, youth development, and senior services in Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford.

By investing in Carver’s mission, The Community Fund is investing in the success of Norwalk’s youth and the long-term health of our shared community. This trust and support mean the world to us—and to the students and families who count on Carver as a steady presence in their lives.

Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable future. Thank you, Community Fund of Darien, for standing with Carver and so many other frontline organizations making a difference every day.

Birds, Beaks, and Big Questions: Earthplace Brings Nature to Life at West Rocks Middle School

Last week, students in Carver’s Summer Transition Program for rising 6th graders at West Rocks Middle School were treated to a truly unforgettable experience—an up-close encounter with some of nature’s most fascinating feathered friends, courtesy of Earthplace.

A longtime Carver partner and leader in environmental education, Earthplace (based in Westport, CT) brought a special group of winged ambassadors to visit our students: a white pigeon, an owl named “Freckles,” and a vulture. The visit was part of Carver’s commitment to STEAM education and real-world, hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and deepens understanding.

Students sat wide-eyed as Earthplace educators introduced each bird and shared captivating facts about its unique adaptations, diet, and essential role in our local ecosystem. The gentle white pigeon captured everyone’s attention, leading to discussions about urban wildlife and human-animal interactions. Freckles the owl impressed students with her silent flight and camouflage, teaching them about nocturnal life and predator-prey relationships. And the vulture—often misunderstood—emerged as a surprise hero, celebrated for its critical job as nature’s clean-up crew.

This was more than just a science lesson—it was a powerful experience of connection and care. Students asked thoughtful questions, made detailed observations, and explored how animals survive and thrive in their natural habitats. Earthplace’s engaging visit helped students see birds not just as creatures in the sky, but as neighbors in our shared environment, playing vital roles in maintaining balanced and healthy ecosystems.

Thank you to Earthplace for inspiring our students to think like scientists, feel like conservationists, and act like stewards of the world around them. Whether it’s learning about owls in the classroom or cleaning up the school grounds, our West Rocks students are taking their first steps into a larger, more connected world.

Stay tuned for more amazing learning moments from Carver’s summer programs!

Thank You, Mr. Richards!

Carver extends its deepest gratitude to Michael Richards for his exceptional leadership and dedication to our students at West Rocks Middle School. As a longtime Carver teacher, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Subject Area Leader, and Director of Carver’s Summer Transition Program, Mr. Richards continues to inspire both students and colleagues through his commitment to academic excellence, fostering a positive school culture, and providing meaningful enrichment experiences. His work has helped countless rising 6th graders feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive. Thank you, Mr. Richards, for all you do!

Carver Students at West Rocks Reach New Heights with Spaghetti and Marshmallows

At Carver’s West Rocks Middle School Summer Transition Program, incoming 6th graders were challenged to dream big—and build even bigger—with the classic Spaghetti Tower Challenge! This hands-on STEM activity encouraged students to work collaboratively in small teams to construct the tallest possible free-standing tower using only dry spaghetti and marshmallows.

Each group received about 20 sticks of spaghetti and a handful of marshmallows. No tape. No glue. Just brainpower, imagination, and a whole lot of trial and error.

Before the timer began, students brainstormed and sketched out their designs, discussing which shapes and strategies would offer the most stability. Would a broad base help? Should they use triangles for support? As the 20-minute countdown began, teams got to work building upward—some cautiously, others with wild ambition.

Throughout the challenge, the room buzzed with creative energy, collaboration, and laughter (especially when towers toppled mid-build). When the timer sounded, the measuring tape came out.

But the real win? Every student walked away with a deeper understanding of engineering principles, including balance, tension, and structure. They learned to adapt, to communicate effectively in a team, and to stay resilient when their marshmallow dreams collapsed—literally.

The Spaghetti Tower Challenge is more than a fun competition. It’s a perfect example of how Carver’s summer transition program blends academic enrichment with joyful learning experiences, all while helping students build confidence as they prepare for middle school.

With projects like this, Carver is helping students rise to the challenge—one noodle at a time.

Thank You, Mr. Richards!

Carver extends its deepest gratitude to Michael Richards for his exceptional leadership and dedication to our students at West Rocks Middle School. As a longtime Carver teacher, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Subject Area Leader, and Director of Carver’s Summer Transition Program, Mr. Richards continues to inspire both students and colleagues through his commitment to academic excellence, fostering a positive school culture, and providing meaningful enrichment experiences. His work has helped countless rising 6th graders feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive. Thank you, Mr. Richards, for all you do!

“From Punishment to Possibility”: Governor Lamont Signs Historic Juvenile Justice Reform Bill at Carver

Yesterday, on July 17, 2025, the Richard Whitcomb Gymnasium at The Carver Community Center in Norwalk was filled with emotion, pride, and purpose as Governor Ned Lamont held a cer emonial bill signing for Senate Bill 1542 — a landmark juvenile justice reform law aimed at protecting Connecticut’s youngest residents from unnecessary and traumatic encounters with the justice system. Here is WTNH’s NEWS 8 coverage of the event, Eyewitness News 3, the State of CT Network, and Norwalk’s Instagram video of the event.

This ceremonial occasion was a powerful statement about what Connecticut values in terms of youth, safety, and community. Governor Lamont was joined by State Representative Kadeem Roberts (D-Norwalk), a proud Carver alum who introduced the legislation, and State Senator Herron Gaston (D-Bridgeport), who co-authored the bill. Both men offered deeply personal reflections about their own experiences of being handcuffed by police as children — Gaston when he was just 14 years old.

“When I was 12 years old, I was walking with my cousin,” Roberts recalled. “Officers pulled us over and said we fit the description of a robbery. We were handcuffed. It was traumatizing as a child. This bill is for every young person who has ever experienced that.”

The new law — signed officially on July 8 and taking effect on October 1 — makes Connecticut the first state in the nation to enact such protections. Among its key provisions:

Representative Kadeem Roberts (D-Norwalk) and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling

• A ban on the use of handcuffs on children under age 14, except in cases involving active threats or court orders.

• A gradual increase in the minimum age for arrest, from 10 to 12 in 2026, and to 14 in 2028.

• A shift toward developmentally appropriate responses that prioritize dignity, empathy, and the long-term well-being of youth.

“This is not just a bill,” said Sen. Gaston. “It’s a message — a shift in how we value young people. No child should have to carry the trauma of being treated like a criminal for just being a kid.”

Carver board member Drew Seath welcomed guests and spoke on behalf of Carver, noting the powerful symbolism of holding this momentous event in a community space dedicated to youth success. “Carver stands for hope, opportunity, and second chances,” he said. “This bill reflects those same values.”

The ceremony brought together a sea of Carver summer campers, who listened intently as speakers addressed them directly. “Kids are still growing up — one traumatic incident can change your life,” Rep. Roberts told them. He dedicated the bill to youth impacted by the justice system, invoking names like Khalief Browder and members of the exonerated Central Park Five, reminding the audience of the stakes involved in getting youth justice right.

Governor Lamont praised Carver’s work, calling it “essential” for keeping children safe, engaged, and learning. He then turned to the campers and, in true Carver spirit, challenged them to a dance-off, creating a joyful, unforgettable moment as the children surrounded him at center court while he signed the bill into law.

State Senator Herron Gaston (D-Bridgeport)

Rep. Steve Stafstrom, chair of the Judiciary Committee, urged thoughtfulness in law enforcement’s approach to youth: “Just the sheer act of being handcuffed is traumatic. This bill doesn’t prevent handcuffing. It says: stop and think.”

Brittany LaMarr of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee framed the legislation as a catalyst for healing: “This is how safety and justice come together — through evidence, empathy, and mutual respect.”

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling also voiced strong support for Carver and the bill, underscoring the central role community-based organizations play in preventing youth violence and promoting lifelong success.

As the event concluded, Drew Seath extended a heartfelt invitation to Governor Lamont to return when Carver’s new Teen Center opens. The Governor, smiling and surrounded by kids, accepted without hesitation.

Carver is honored to have hosted this landmark moment — one that affirms what we believe every day: children are not problems to be solved, but possibilities to be nurtured. SB 1542 is a step toward that future.

Global Roots, Global Futures: How Carver and Norwalk Public Schools Are Shaping the Next Generation of Global Citizens

Carver’s long-standing commitment to nurturing global citizenship finds powerful synergy with Norwalk Public Schools’ growing adoption of the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum of education. Together, these efforts are transforming how young people in Norwalk experience the world — preparing students not just for academic success, but for compassionate and thoughtful engagement in an increasingly interconnected world.

Carver has always believed in the power of global experiences to shape young minds. From 2011 to 2015, Carver high school students partnered with NicaPhoto to collaborate with youth in Sonrisa de Dios, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Nagarote, Nicaragua. Through poetry, photography, and shared storytelling, Carver students connected with their peers digitally and in person — even helping establish an organic garden in Nicaragua. Their cross-cultural journey was beautifully captured in a published photojournal book.

In 2018, Carver was invited by the Concord Consortium to help test an innovative pilot called Learning Everywhere, connecting students with museums in the UK, France, and across the U.S. through cutting-edge technologies. Whether nudged by a smartwatch or guided by a mobile prompt, students were encouraged to explore new areas of interest in immersive, curiosity-driven ways — all aimed at expanding worldviews and making global learning feel personal and tangible.

Carver students have also been introduced to global conversations through WeR1Voice, founded by internationally acclaimed musician Morris Pleasure. Through this initiative, Carver students have promoted the Ghana National Museum on Slavery and Freedom and made digital connections with youth in Tanzania, giving them a voice on a world stage and deepening their understanding of global cultures and shared histories.

Sometimes, Carver’s support is highly personal. When one of our students was selected to travel to Japan through the Center for Global Studies, Carver stepped up to help fund the experience. It’s a reflection of our belief that international opportunities should never be out of reach for the students we serve.

These experiences perfectly complement the vision now unfolding across Norwalk Public Schools. The district recently announced that Naramake Elementary School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and Roton Middle School have officially been authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer two of its globally respected educational programs. These schools join Brien McMahon High School, which has offered the IB Diploma Program since 2017.

This milestone positions Norwalk Public Schools to offer a comprehensive K–12 IB continuum — a globally recognized pathway that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and academic excellence. It’s a vision that aligns deeply with Carver’s values and programming, including our cultural celebrations and cooking classes that honor the diversity of our student body. In fact, Norwalk’s families speak 59 different languages and represent more than 70 countries — global citizenship isn’t an idea here, it’s a lived reality.

Carver is proud to play a role in reinforcing and extending the impact of the IB mission — “to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Whether through international exchanges, digital global classrooms, or everyday lessons that celebrate our shared humanity, Carver and Norwalk Public Schools are together helping students discover that the world is both vast and within reach.

Together, we are not just preparing students for graduation — we are preparing them to lead, serve, and thrive in a global society.