Jade Trowery, 17, of Naugatuck, right, participates in a empowerment class at Naugatuck High School in Naugatuck on Wednesday.
Carver recently won the renewal of a highly competitive Interdistrict Cooperative Grant (IDCG) for the 2024-2025 school year. This grant will continue funding transformative programs at Naugatuck and Stamford High Schools.
This grant, initially awarded in 2022, supports initiatives that increase student achievement and reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation.
One standout program funded by this grant is "She Who Conquers," a summer pilot initiative significantly impacting minority teen girls at Naugatuck High School.
The following story is based on this news article written by Paul Singley, a former Republican-American reporter now a teacher in the Naugatuck School system, who wrote the following article about this IDCG-Carver-funded program for Steven Valenti’s Republican-American column.
“She Who Conquers” is designed to empower minority girls who were chronically absent in the past school year. This three-week program allows these students to build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of community. Jade Trowery, an incoming senior at Naugatuck High School, is one of the participants who has benefited immensely from the program. Reflecting on her struggles, Trowery said, "Last year, I didn’t show up." However, inspired by a guest speaker's message about simply showing up, she feels motivated to turn her high school experience around.
"She Who Conquers" aligns perfectly with Carver's mission to close opportunity gaps and ensure all children graduate high school on time, ready for college and careers. Eileen Mezzo, Associate Principal at NHS, collaborated with Angela Griffin, the district's director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and April Vaughn, the program creator, to design a course that fosters empowerment and personal growth.
Jade Trowery, 17, of Naugatuck, third from left, participates in an empowerment class at Naugatuck High School in Naugatuck on Wednesday.
The program features inspiring guest speakers, including a Black woman entrepreneur and a female empowerment advocate from India. These speakers shared their journeys of overcoming obstacles and the power of positive thinking. These sessions resonated deeply with the girls, reinforcing the program's core message: "Just show up."
In addition to motivational talks, the girls participated in field trips to places like Ulta Beauty Store, The Club Health and Fitness Center, and the Naugatuck YMCA. These excursions were enjoyable and educational, teaching the girls essential life skills. Jennifer Stone, a physical education teacher and assistant athletic director at NHS, highlighted a particularly impactful moment when the girls were asked to describe their reflections in a mirror, resulting in a wave of positive affirmations.
Eleanor Jimenez-Franck, the high school's on-track coordinator, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for these young women. "A lot of these girls have struggled in various ways, and they are very much aware of that," she explained. "For them to know there is a space where they can form relationships... it is extremely important to them showing up to class and achieving the things they want to achieve."
The program has been a game-changer for participants like Trowery, who now feels more confident and connected. "I really enjoy the fact that it has gotten me out of my shell," she said. "Being here around so many beautiful people with so many beautiful smiles, it just makes me feel more confident in myself."
As Carver looks forward to the continued success of "She Who Conquers" and other initiatives under the renewed IDCG funding, it remains committed to its mission of closing opportunity gaps and ensuring all students are prepared for future success.