At The Carver, some of our favorite news to share is news about what's coming next for Norwalk's kids — and today we have some.
The Carver, in partnership with Norwalk Public Schools, intends to submit an application to the Connecticut State Department of Education for funding under the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, Cohort 22 (2026–2027). This post serves as formal public notice of our intent to apply. The submission deadline is July 8, 2026.
The Proposed Program
If awarded, the grant will support the Scholars Program at Jefferson Marine Science Magnet School and Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School, serving approximately 105 students in grades 4 and 5 beginning in September 2026. Operating four afternoons per week, Monday through Thursday, throughout the school year, the Scholars Program pairs certified-teacher-led daily academic support with hands-on STEAM and enrichment experiences — robotics, gardening and cooking science, marine navigation, coding, and the arts — alongside social-emotional learning, wellness activities, and family engagement events, all designed around one big goal: preparing our fourth and fifth graders for a strong, confident transition to middle school. Bus transportation home will be provided at no cost to families.
A Word About Partnership
None of this happens alone. This proposal grows out of The Carver's longstanding partnership with Norwalk Public Schools and the more than fifteen years we've spent designing and operating after-school and summer programs alongside Norwalk's educators, families, and community partners. Every friend of Carver — our school principals and teachers, our enrichment partners, our volunteers, and most of all our families — has a hand in shaping this work, and we're grateful for it.
Review the Application and Share Your Input
We welcome your comments, questions, and recommendations regarding this proposed program. In accordance with federal and state requirements, the full application and any waiver requests will be available for public review upon request following submission. To request a copy, share input, or learn more, please contact Jim Schaffer, Grants Manager and Institutional Research, at jim@the-carver.org or 203-912-2802, or visit The Carver at 7 Academy Street, Norwalk, CT 06850, during normal business hours.
Students who attend private school and reside within the attendance areas of Jefferson Marine Science Magnet School or Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School are eligible to participate. Private school administrators and families who would like more information are encouraged to reach out using the contact information above.
Thank you, Norwalk, for believing — as we do — that every child deserves a great place to learn, grow, and belong after the school bell rings. We'll keep you posted.