On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Carver’s four full-time Future Readiness Coordinators (Iman Laborde, Isaiah Gaddy, Rayshonda Mitchell, and Candace Wright) proudly led Carver high school students to the 37th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair, hosted by the New York Urban League (NYUL) at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in New York City. This highly anticipated event continues to be a pivotal moment for students exploring their academic futures at HBCUs, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal connections and life-changing decisions.

Founded in 1938, Carver was an early leader in the national movement to provide students with support after school. Once Carver expanded beyond its community center into Norwalk’s schools, It began to receive very competitive 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants. This is the only federal funding source supporting local after-school, before-school, and summer learning programs. Today, this funding supports many Carver initiatives, such as this HBCU college fair, STEM education opportunities, college tours, workforce development, and social and emotional support.

Carver spotlights HBCUs as part of its annual Spring Break College Tours, encouraging students to consider these historic institutions' powerful legacies and unique educational offerings. Many Carver alumni have proudly chosen HBCUs for their higher education journey, and events like this fair provide a vital connection between prospective students and the possibilities ahead.

This year's HBCU Fair was no exception, offering students access to:

Admissions Representatives from numerous HBCUs are ready to answer questions and guide the application process.
On-Site College Applications, allowing students to apply directly to schools.
Scholarship Resources that open doors to financial aid opportunities.
Workshops designed to prepare students for academic and career success.
HBCU Entertainment celebrates the vibrant culture of these institutions.

The fair, co-organized with the Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, and the NYUL Young Professionals, has a proven record of success. Last year alone, the event welcomed over 5,000 attendees, waived 2,350 application fees, and awarded over $2 million in scholarships on-site.

This year, Carver student Rodelin Constant, a Brien McMahon High School senior, received an incredible five admission offers from HBCUs, underscoring the transformative impact of events like this. Rodelin’s success story is a testament to the potential unlocked when students are given the tools and opportunities to pursue their goals.

The HBCU Fair is a bridge to brighter futures. By connecting students with institutions that celebrate heritage, foster community, and champion excellence, the fair empowers students to dream big and take actionable steps toward those dreams.

At Carver, we remain committed to fostering these opportunities for the students we serve. Whether through our college tours, after-school programs, or events like the HBCU Fair, we work tirelessly to ensure that every student has the chance to achieve their fullest potential.

Congratulations to Rodelin and all the Carver students who attended the fair! Your journey begins, and we can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish.