College Tour student report from Villanova from Kelete Sherald and Justin Forde, 11th graders at Brien McMahon High School

Justin Ford and Kelete Sherald

I am Justin Forde and my friend Kelete Sherald and I are honored to share our thoughts and experience on Villanova University as participants of Carver’s 48th annual college and members of the Youth Development Program. We are both eleventh graders at Brien McMahon High school – Go Senators!!! As basketball and track athletes we were thrilled to learn that Villanova was one of the schools selected as part of our annual college tour. We were even more excited when their men’s basketball team made it to the final four and then went on to win the NCAA title. As we arrived at the Connelly Center, we envisioned a chance to meet with members of the basketball team. We were out of luck. We did see members of the football team hustling to get students to sign up for bone morrow testing. We were also denied access to the basketball court due to renovations.

Villanova University is a Catholic college founded in 1842 and it is the home of the wildcats. If you are passionate, determined, and academically focused then Villanova is the university for you. Villanova is ranked #46 - Best Colleges 2018, #17 – Best Undergraduate Teaching College (U.S. News & World Report), #1 – Undergraduate Business School (Bloomberg Business Week). Villanova’s Naval ROTC program has produced 22 Navy Admirals and Marine Corps Generals (2nd only to the U.S. Naval Academy).

Admission to Villanova is very competitive, but if you are one of the chosen, you will have strong support from faculty and peers. Most recently, top applicants of Villanova, had a 4.0 to 4.4, a SAT score of 1360 to1600, or an ACT score of 31 to 36. You will be busy if you participate in one of the 265 extracurricular groups and activities on campus. Villanova also offers 44 clubs. Service and giving back is the DNA of this university. Students are required to participate in community service. There was only one issue that brought us pause and it was the lack of diversity among the student population. This would not be a hindrance for Villanova to make it to our list of schools, but it was a concern for a few of our peers.

We really enjoyed touring the campus of Villanova. The students were very friendly and shared time with us while they were in route to their classes. The mood was good and students are overjoyed with the recent men’s basketball championship. The campus store was loaded with championship merchandise, but the cost was a bit high for our budget. We were surprised to see all the merchandise delivered in such short notice. 

We really like Villanova and we came to the realization that the four years of high school are critical to your success in college. A solid transcript is your ticket to become a member of the Wildcats family.

Kelete Sherald and Justin Forde are 11th graders at Brien McMahon High School

Carver Spring Break College Tour Updates! Cardan Grant and Sandy Maxwell, 10th Graders @ Brien McMahon High School

Cheyney University was founded by Richard Humphreys, a Quaker, who donated $10,000 and one-tenth his property to create a school to educate individuals of African descent. The original Humphreys' home is still on campus the university is building a museum next to Humphreys home to honor and highlight its rich history as the oldest Historically Black College/University in the country. We learned the original family who lived on the grounds and owned slaves. At another point in history, the acres of Cheyney property was used during the underground railroad. The tunnels where slaves were taught to read and write, even though it was against the law, are still in existence today.

There are close to 1,000 students enrolled in the college, and the student-faculty ratio is 15 to 1. The small class sizes give every student an opportunity to know their professors and the administrative staff. For out-of-state students like us, the tuition for Cheyney University is a little over $14,000. There are 15 majors and 11 minors available to prospective and current students. Once admitted, Cheyney University works to support black students academically and financially. What we liked about Cheyney is that it is a predominately Black college, but it accepts other students of other races, too. The history of black people from previous generations associated with the university could be helpful for other students to study. 

The most exciting thing I learned while visiting Cheyney University was that there is a designated a part of the quad grass as “sacred ground.” NO ONE is allowed to walk on the grass unless it is graduation time. Another fun fact about Cheyney is that the university is very giving when it comes to the community. Sometimes during the day, the school allows people from the public to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for free!! 

Cheyney University looks at their study body as a family, and that’s something that we want to experience when we begin college, a home away from home. We think that Cheyney University is a phenomenal school and will definitely look into it in the future. We would recommend this school to many of my peers in Norwalk.

Thank you, 
Cardan Grant//Sandy Maxwell
10th Graders @ Brien McMahon High School

Nyema Burnes and Sarah Caidor, 10th graders at Brien McMahon High School, report from Temple University

Prior to today, we knew very little about Temple University. We had envisioned a school that was surrounded by trees and with buildings that were two or three stories tall. Our first observation was the logo. The logo adorned several buildings as we traveled through the neighborhood. Temple University is a pretty big school and clearly a diverse school. Temple was founded in 1907 by Russell Conwell. Russell Conwell is described as American Baptist minister, lawyer, writer and philanthropist. 

Experiencing Temple firsthand is a must. You will discover their willingness to welcome graduating high school seniors, transfer students and international students. We learned that almost half of Temple’s incoming students are students who are transferring from other colleges. Temple is a city within a city. There are several perks for students, such as seeing a movie with snacks for $4.50, free transportation and access to the writing center.

Temple offers more than 140 majors ranging from medicine, law, business and education. Students hoping to gain admission to the honors program must earn a 3.9 GPA and a 1220 on the SAT. Students embrace the owl pride and have a common desire to be the best they can be. 

In-state tuition cost $15,000 and out-of-state tuition cost $25,000. There are more than 25,000 undergraduate students. This is 14 times the size of Brien McMahon’s school population. There are hundreds of organizations at Temple, which means there is something for everyone. Sharing your interest and getting involved with campus life will make your experience at Temple more fulfilling. Temple will definitely make it to our list, but we are eagerly awaiting the experiences that lie ahead from the other nine colleges.

Nyema Burnes and Sarah Caidor – 10th graders at Brien McMahon High School

Serenity Saunders & Mahya Fleurime report from La Salle University on the spring break college tour!

Saint Jean Baptiste de La Salle was the founder of La Salle University located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. La Salle is a Catholic school demonstrating the true meaning of “One Voice, One Sound.” The tuition is $29,000; to be accepted the recommended GPA range is 3.1-3.2 and the recommended SAT score is 1100. The university’s most popular major is Nursing and the second most popular major is Business. Students in the nursing program use practice dummies with real-life symptoms, including crying for help and gushing blood, preparing its students for real-life trauma scenarios. Currently, there are 320 undergraduate students enrolled. The school maintains a small learning environment based on a 12 to 1 teaching ratio; administration works to ensure students are comfortable and relaxed while learning.

La Salle University encourages all its students to be involved in a group, club, or activity that fits one’s preference or interest. There are 13 sororities for those who want to be a part of Greek life; there is a vibrant Latin community, the BCS and even the university’s religious group known as “The Brothers.” La Salle supports the well-being of its student body and is determined to mentally and socially prepare its graduates for a career. Overall, there is an emphasis at La Salle if it wasn't to put them in an environment still simulated to look like real jobs they will acquire after graduation. The university also hosts events that promote wellness. For example, every other Wednesday the University hosts “A Stress-Free Day” inviting the community to participate by allowing dogs to roam freely in the quad. To enhance financial literacy among students, La Salle partnered with Trumark Bank and students are now able to open and manage their bank account. 

The school spirit and sense of community at La Salle University was interesting and exciting to see. We are excited to see more schools, but right now La Salle is high on our list! 

Student Reporters: Serenity Saunders & Mahya Fleurime
School: La Salle University

Playing for Music has a new global song to share!

Carver loves the music and messaging of Playing for Change, a multimedia music project, created by the American producer and sound engineer Mark Johnson with his Timeless Media Group, that seeks to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. Playing For Change also created a separate nonprofit organization called the Playing For Change Foundation, which builds music schools for children around the world. Creating Songs Around The World inspired the PFC crew to unite many of the greatest musicians they met throughout their journey through the creation of the Playing For Change Band. These musicians come from many different countries and cultures, but through music they speak the same language. The PFC Band is now touring the world and spreading the message of love and hope to audiences everywhere.

48th Annual Carver College Tour Begins!

The Impact Vine makes bridge building possible for Carver kids!

The Impact Vine crowdfunding donors made possible an eight-week, hands-on, STEM learning project whereby Carver middle school students built model truss bridges.

Led by a certified science teacher from Norwalk Public Schools, this Carver STEM education project explored the basic physics of bridges. Students used simple hand tools and materials and performed calculations to determine the amount of each material required for each part of the project. Students also calculated the cost of producing a structure based on the types of materials used.

Anthony and Deshaun standing next to their creations at the Carver Community Center

A truss bridge uses a web-like design to make the bridge stronger than a single beam or girder. From science fair projects to in-class activities, building a truss bridge offers children the chance to explore engineering concepts and connect science with math. Carver students discover how a truss works and how sturdy it is in comparison to other types of designs by making mini models and testing different structures.

The students created bridges designed their models to stand the stress of heavy weight, weather and sometimes even an earthquake. Students learned to understand the strains that bridges face and how they hold up under pressure. Students learned to consider what factors an engineer has to consider when designing a bridge. Students tested their models by rocking the bridge back and forth, simulating an earthquake, and by putting a fan in front of it to create a windstorm. The students observed and recorded what happens.

Carver in the News: Bankwell renews its generous support!

Carver Director of Philanthropy Nikki Lafaye with Bankwell SVP and Director of Business Development Rob Mallozzi

See the article here at NewCannanite.com.

As part of its commitment to provide value to the community, Bankwell donated $5,000 to the Carver Foundation of Norwalk. The mission of the Carver Foundation is to help children and youth reach their greatest potential by providing educational, social and recreational programs in a positive, safe and fun environment. Carver is Norwalk’s largest provider of after school programs for middle and high school students, and the largest provider of summer programs serving K through 9th grade students.

Infographic: National Assessment of After School Program Benefits

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy remembered and honored

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death 50 years ago left a nation grieving. His profound impact on civil and human rights will forever be remembered and honored. A champion of justice and equality, Dr. King’s brief life and steadfast activism are lessons in courageous leadership & compassionate service.