High School students Aaliyah James and Ashanti James report from South Carolina State University on our annual Spring College Tour

Aaliyah James, Norwalk High School 10th grader, and Ashanti James, Brien McMahon High School 11th grader 

South Carolina State University 

By Aaliyah James, Norwalk High School 10th grader, and Ashanti James, Brien McMahon High School 11th grader 

South Carolina State University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was the first of two schools on today’s itinerary. We woke up to beautiful weather and excellent made-to-order breakfast and eagerly boarded our chartered bus at 8:30 am and headed off. We arrived at a vibrant campus, and we were greeted by our tour guide Mr. Thomson. We immediately noticed the monuments symbolizing events in history. 

South Carolina State University (SCSU) is South Carolina’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU). SCSU is known for the Orangeburg Massacre in 1968, the first shooting on any college campus in the US. During desegregation efforts, a South Carolina patrolman fired on a crowd of unarmed protestors at the head of the campus, killing three students and injuring twenty-seven others. This event is one of the least remembered in civil rights history.

Dr. Sandra Glover, Professor and Director of Leadership and Professional Development

South Carolina State University provides tutoring, coaching, mentoring, and University 101, a helpful guide to students. It was clear that SCCSU provides a supportive environment, especially throughout your freshman year, to ensure academic and life success. Knowing that people around the school are committed to you and supporting you is excellent and will give our families peace of mind. SCSU will accept students with a 2.0 GPA or above, plus other demonstrated strengths like community service and leadership. Tuition for in-state students is $5,530 per semester and $10,876 per semester for out-of-state students. An overall graduation rate of 37% within six years was concerning to us since we learned from our Carver staff that every extra semester it takes to graduate would increase the cost of your degree. SCSU has a retention rate of 77% which is higher than the national average.  

The school currently has 2,300+ students enrolled. Classrooms are significantly bigger than expected, knowing that class sizes range from 15-35 students depending on the class. The student-to-faculty ratio falls at 16:1. Around-the-clock security is on campus. We were surprised to learn that in addition to buildings dedicated to college students (Betchal Hall – School of Business, Leroy Davis Hall – STEM education), there is the Felton Laboratory, a K-8 charter school. Like other schools we visited, SCSU has a study abroad program, but it was the only school with a nuclear engineering program. 

SCSU is a Division 1 school for athletics. Many athletic opportunities include football, basketball, tennis, soccer, track and field, and more. Fine arts opportunities such as majorette, music industry, color guard, band, and currently, forty-five clubs and organizations are available to keep students engaged.

One of the many great traditions at SCSU is how it honors people and events in its history. In remembrance of the three young men of the Orangeburg Massacre, Samuel Hammond, Henry Smith, and Delano Middleton, statues were erected on campus along with memorials for the twenty-seven others injured. 

After touring the beautiful campus of SCSU and learning about all the opportunities, we believe that SCSU has a lot to offer a disciplined and focused student who will take advantage of the rich resources. SCSU is determined to create a center of excellence that transforms lives and inspires greatness. 

We want to thank all who made this 51st annual college tour possible for us and our fantastic tour guide, Mr. Thomson, for inspiring us.

Students on our Spring College Tour report from Claflin University

Dionte Green Younger, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High, and Jeremiah Jordan, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, standing next to the cheerful Claflin University tour guide

Claflin University

By Jordan Vann, 10th grader at Norwalk High School; Dionte Green Younger, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School; and Jeremiah Jordan, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School

Claflin University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) located in Orangeburg, SC, less than a mile from South Carolina State University (known for the Orangeburg massacre). Claflin University feels like an unknown gem of the South. We were pleasantly surprised at the depth of what Claflin offers to its students. There are study-abroad opportunities. Claflin is the top HBCU in Alumni giving (both in money and mentoring of current students), a Top 10 HBCU in the nation, and the #1 HBCU in South Carolina. We were convinced that Claflin would be a perfect place to launch our higher education journey, which will lead to career and life successes.

Claflin is the oldest HBCU in the state. This College was founded in 1869 and named in honor of Lee Claflin, a prominent Methodist layman from Boston, Massachusetts. Yearly tuition of $27,000 per year is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Books are free, and Honors Scholarship with monthly stipends are awarded to students earning a 3.7 GPA, 1,200 on the SAT, and 27 on the ACT. A full-ride Honors Scholarship is awarded to students with a 3.5 GPA, 1,100 on the SAT, and 24 on the ACT. Honors scholars receive preferred suite-style living and much more. Student to staff ratio is 13 to 1.

Jordan Vann, 10h grader at Norwalk High School

Students at Claflin compete in Division II in football, basketball, track and field, volleyball, softball, baseball, cross country plus e-Gaming, and over eighty clubs. Claflin students can participate with the South Carolina State University (SCSU) band. Claflin considers SCSU their daughter institution since they gifted the land to SCSU.

Claflin University expands on its arts and commits to excellence. It is the first university to open its institution to all races, gender, religion, and ethnic groups. Claflin’s acceptance rate is 57%, and the graduation rate is 55%. Claflin is a small private college with a population of slightly over 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students and has about 37-40 majors, such as business, music, sociology, and more.

This college embodies its mascot, the panther; it’s more commonly seen alongside its athletics. Claflin’s mission is “dedicated to providing a student-centered, liberal arts education grounded in cutting-edge research, experiential learning, state-of-the-art technology, community service, and life-long personal and professional fulfillment.” This allows Claflin to develop and grow its rich community and fuel success.

Eighty percent of our college tour participants plan to apply to Claflin University and share in the Panther Pride.

Carver 10th grade students Nazaiah Grant and Jayden Diaz report from Allen University while on the Spring College Tour

Allen University 

By Nazaiah Grant and Jayden Diaz, 10th graders at Norwalk High School  

Allen University is located directly across from Benedict College in Columbia, SC. We strolled across immediately after we toured Benedict College. This was the perfect opportunity to compare and contrast both schools.  Jacquline Godly, a petite, feisty, and super-energetic advocate of the admissions department, greeted us. She captured our attention from her first hello to the last goodbye. 

The campus felt like a tiny city that was aesthetically pleasing and something we had never seen before. The School is named after the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Richard Allen. The institution was first named Payne Institute by African Methodist Episcopal Church ministers, including John M. Brown. The more information we received, the more we began to see Allen as a possibility for many of us. Students at Allen University receive free healthcare, a free Apple MacBook, e-textbooks, and scholarships starting with a GPA of 2.5.

We had the privilege of meeting football coach Stork and Dr. Joseph Ray, Director of the Counseling Department. Both had inspiring messages for us. They spoke about the values,  mission, and culture of Allen University. Dr. Ray addressed food challenges for college students, especially on weekends when the cafeteria has limited access. With a grant and partners from the community, his staff operates a food pantry that students and staff can access for groceries every Friday. Allen athletes compete in Division II, and the following sports are available to students: Football, Volleyball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Women's Soccer, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, and Men's Wrestling. 

We could see a freshman dorm that hosts two students in a room and two rooms per suite. Each room has access to its bathroom. I appreciate hearing from the Carver staff about the noticeable improvements to the facilities on campus. They pointed out several upgrades which have taken place over the last four years.

A wonderful treat for us was the step demonstration by the Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma fraternities. This is a common occurrence among the “divine nine,” giving us a glimpse into Greek life on campus. In addition to the fraternities and sororities, there are clubs based on student interest, student government, and other opportunities for participation.  The University also sponsors a symphonic band, a concert choir, a marching band, a jazz band, and other music ensembles. 

Allen University emphasizes its distinguishing attribute of providing extraordinary care to its students.

Carver students Ryan Jackson and Allen Fountain report from Benedict College during our annual College Tour

Benedict College 

By Ryan Jackson – Junior at Norwalk High School, and Allen Fountain, Sophomore at Norwalk High School

Benedict College, located in Columbia, SC, was the first stop on our annual college tour. Our driver Josh provided a smooth ride to the campus. The temperature was 51 degrees, sunny and windy with a chill, so a light jacket was necessary. The Benedict campus feels very small, with intentional efforts to include nature. We felt a vibrant spirit as we noticed the many restoration projects as buildings were being restored to their glory. The lively and peaceful feeling inspired us to sit and enjoy the Southern charm. 

Our peers were as eager as we were to begin this historic journey. This tour is the 51st Annual College Tour with thirty-five students and seven chaperones. Our petite tour guide Vicky Jones is an education major preparing to graduate next month. She was very sweet and knowledgeable and provided a detailed and persuasive account of all Benedict College offers. Benedict College was the second HBCU established in the nation on December 12, 1870. In addition to academics (a 3.0 GPA can qualify for a scholarship), events are held that solidify their school pride. Their school colors are Purple and Gold, and their mascot is a Tiger.

One of the most noticeable buildings on campus is the Chapel, where services are held under the Baptist faith.  Areas of study fall under the School of Business and Entrepreneurship; the School of Education, Health, and Human Services; the School of Arts and Science; and the School of Science and Engineering. Notable alumni include Bennie Lewis, a professional basketball player; Leroy T. Walker, former US Olympic Committee Chair; and James Maxie Ponder, the First African American Physician in Petersburg, FL.

Greek life is evident at Benedict College with the prideful display of its Greek Yard, which boasts plots representing the divine nine – African American fraternities and sororities. The plots are a sign of brotherhood and sisterhood. The divine nine are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Psi, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and Iota Psi Theta Fraternity.

Benedict College is known for its many sports teams, such as Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, Football, and Tennis. Band, Dance, and Majorette are integral to their organized activities. Benedict teams and individuals have always won championships and embrace being known as a headstrong school. Sports are a great way to meet new people and get to know the experience of being in collegiate life. 

We think Benedict is a great College because of its nurturing culture, especially of African American minds, its inclusivity of different religions and backgrounds, strong academics, and general acceptance into their community. 

Our Spring College Tour Begins!

This is the largest Spring College Tour group ever and more boys than girls! We are on a path to ensure a higher college admission rate for our young men. We have 20 boys and 15 girls, and seven chaperones on the trip this year. This adventure is led each year by our CEO, Novelette Peterkin.

They set off at 10:30 AM from the Carver Community Center on Saturday with a sleepover stop in Richmond, VA. They continued Sunday to Columbia, South Carolina, where they stayed the evening.

Following breakfast at the hotel, they departed this morning for Benedict College. They will then move on to Allen University this afternoon.

Tomorrow morning, the group will travel to Orangeburg, SC to visit South Carolina State University in the morning and then to Claflin University in the afternoon.

Carver students are being introduced to the rigors and joys of a college education. School administrators, admissions and financial aid officers, college students (including former Carver after-school and summer students), and others welcome our visiting students to their respective college campuses and make presentations, and simply make them feel at home. Whether asking questions, touring the campuses, or sharing meals with former Carver peers now excelling at these excellent schools, the goal is to motivate each visiting Carver student to envision their futures as successful college students. 

Here are some reasons why our students love the Carver college tours (also, we take day trips to visit nearby colleges throughout the year).

1.     You won’t really know how you feel about a place until you’ve been there. A college catalog, view book, or website can only show you so much.

2.     The college information sessions and the campus tours will give you a better idea of what the college is like and if you would be happy there.

3.     A small investment in time now can save significant time, money, and hassles during the college application period.

4.     You’ll understand the college’s vibrancy, character, and facilities. Visits will provide you with a complete picture.

5.     College tours allow students to ask questions, meet other prospective students, and understand the college more deeply.

6.     How you feel about schools once you visit in person may affect the direction your college search and application process takes. College visits help you to refine your search.

7.     Applying to college is a complex process, and visits to campuses will serve you best if you use them as a research tool rather than a final decision-making aid.

8.     Time, energy, and money are finite resources, and you want to use them wisely throughout the application process. First-hand knowledge will help you to clarify your vision and narrow your list.

9.     Most colleges love students who are sincerely interested; visiting colleges is one way to show this.

10.  You want to be able to relax and make a fully informed choice once you have been accepted. If you’ve already visited those schools at least once, that’s just what you will be able to do.

Watch here on this Carver blog in April for reports from the colleges our students visit!

Roz McCarthy at The Hour reports on the beautiful new South Norwalk school called SONO!

Norwalk is building the new Sono School building (South Norwalk School) from the ground up. The school makes use of hands-on learning and community input. Friday, March 31, 2023, Norwalk, Conn.

New Sono neighborhood school designed to feed souls, hearts and minds of children, By Roz McCarthy

Blog Post Note: Carver provides the before- and after-school programming for this new school

They also care for each other. When one boy was crying inconsolably after his block structure collapsed, a child handed him a stuffed animal to hug.  A second child brought a tissue to wipe his eyes. A third child rubbed his back.

Yogi Berra, the legendary Yankee catcher, was famous for saying, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”  For the school on Chestnut St, once named Columbus School, there is indeed a feeling that we’ve been here before. For the second time in my 50 years of living in Norwalk, Columbus School is being redesigned for a new student body.

Kindergartner Bryson Delgado reads “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” with Paraeducator Taijek Mikel.

In 1979, Columbus School was closed as a segregated neighborhood school and reopened as Columbus Magnet School. Children from all over Norwalk could apply to the school that emphasized hands-on learning and the arts. Instruction in reading, science, math and social studies were integrated together. Parents were encouraged to be actively engaged in the school. The new school was popular, and families were soon clamoring to enroll their children.

Columbus Magnet School is now Concord Magnet School, and it has moved into a building next to Ponus Ridge Middle School. The old Columbus building has reopened as a neighborhood school, temporarily named the Sono School. The new student body will be those who live in South Norwalk, and the curriculum will emphasize the needs of the community. 

…What does social justice look like to 4 and 5-year olds?  “It’s how children interact with each other,” said Rhinehart. “It’s highlighting each child’s strengths and working together. It’s getting along, honoring diversity, and making sure everyone has a voice.”

One of the pre-K classes is a 50-50 blend of special education students who have IEP’s (individualized education plans) and general education students.  “I love how the general ed kids are the role models for the kids with IEP’s, and the other way around,” said teacher Nicolette Lopez.  “They really just help each other.  I see the love that they have for their peers.”

One kindergarten class is filled with MLL students – multi-language learners.  All the children spoke Spanish as their first language, and the teacher and two paraprofessionals are bilingual.

“I use lots of visuals in the classroom,” said teacher Irvania Sanchez, “and I often pair students with strong English skills with a child who has less English.  They help each other.”…

Meet the Professionals: Jay Hinton talks personal and community success at NHS

Our Meet the Professionals series puts students in the room with leaders and innovators across varied professions. Our latest Meet the Professionals brought Priceline’s VP of Financial Operations, Jay Hinton, to our Carver students at Norwalk High School.

Jay Hinton has had well over 20 jobs in myriad companies since he began working his first paper route at age 11. A commitment to hard work and volunteerism was modeled from an early age by his parents: his father retired from the railroad after a 37-year-long career, and his mother, who began her career in civil rights, retired as a social worker. Through their example and inclusion, Jay became not only personally successful but promoted success in his surrounding community. “I’ve been involved with volunteer work, mostly with children, virtually all my life. It’s my privilege to share some of my reflections as the guest speaker for Meet The Professionals.”

On March 13th, Jay was an open book for our students: “I was able to speak with a group of roughly 20 young black men about my background, education, career, and path to success. We then had a great Q&A session in which I gave them full permission to ask anything they wanted. They asked about general knowledge topics like budgeting, saving money, buying a house, buying a hotel, and a range of other concepts and ideas. They also asked about more personal topics like leaving troubled friends behind and moving forward in life, HBCUs (as I’m a grateful graduate of Florida A&M University), and how I figured out what I wanted to do as a profession. It was uplifting for me and, by far, the best part of my week.”

Our students were equally uplifted to have the opportunity to discuss these topics with Jay. Several of our young men at NHS are members of The Carver’s Youth With Purpose group: a program that supports 9th and 10th grade boys as they learn to become community leaders. YWP focuses on building relationships, resolving conflicts, social-emotional intelligence, and community service. Jay’s advice and spirit of giving served to build upon that foundation.

“Reflecting on that discussion, I was reminded of a lesson I learned many years ago at St. Philips Catholic School in Columbus, Ohio,” Jay wrote, “about being a thankful giver. It was one of the many life lessons I learned, despite some of my best efforts, from Sister Mary Anacita Pitstick. The essence of her message was that because we are so blessed when we are able to give, we are fortunate. We are to be thankful not only for being able to give but also for the opportunity to give. That’s one of the many reasons why I’m so thankful for the Carver. The Carver makes it so easy for us to give of our time, talents, and treasure, however and whenever we are best able, that it almost feels like cheating. So, I send a deep and sincere thank you to The Carver for giving me the opportunity to share my insights with those young leaders of tomorrow because it was I who left feeling truly blessed.”

We at the Carver are deeply grateful to Jay for being such a fantastic friend, leader, and inspiring example for our kids. The effect of his Meet the Professionals is sure to ripple outward, as profound kindness often does. Thank you, Jay!

Norwalk Youth Carver Travel Team wins the Fairfield County Basketball League AA Championship!

On March 11th, our Norwalk Youth Carver (NYC) 8th Grade Boys Travel Team emerged victorious from the FCBL AA Championship at Weston High School! After going head-to-head with the Milford Knights in the final round of the tournament, our athletes won 66 -57. We are so proud of our Youth Travel Teams and are ecstatic on behalf of the 8th Grade Boys and Coach TJ Trimboli for their achievement.

Team success was also joined by player success: Ryan Trimboli won the One-on-One Skill Competition for 8th Grade Boys! Last year, Ryan led the Roton basketball team in 3 pointers. He has stated that hopes to continue to play basketball through college at the University of North Carolina before becoming a coach like his father.

"Congratulations to NYC 8th grade boys on winning FCBL AA tournament. Once again, they brought home a trophy. Also I would like to say, great job Ryan! Those boys are true champions, well deserved!" - Shannon Bates, Carver’s Recreation Coordinator.

Sign Up NOW for Spring Soccer and/or Spring Tennis!

Beatrice Low brings Women's History Month to Carver Community Center kids

Familiar face at the Carver Center and CEO of BeHASSTic, Beatrice Low completed her 3rd Women in History display just beyond our community center foyer.

A one-of-a-kind social entrepreneur, Beatrice has been a long time Carver friend and partner. Since the summer of 2021, her team at BeHASSTic has provided programs in HASST (Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Technology) to Carver kids. This Women’s History Month, Beatrice herself brought our Community Center kids a comprehensive board on women’s history, highlighting African American women leaders:

“From the nation’s beginning, African American women added an intellectually diverse landscape of ideas to the solution for racism and oppression. They have had to overcome the double bind of racism and sexism, which marginalized them within both women’s and civil rights movements. Yet, they persevered to provide rich, vibrant voices to the chorus of American freedom, justice, and independence.”

We thank Beatrice for her continued service alongside Carver and for the beautifully wrought and poignant addition to our front hall. Happy Women’s History Month!

You can learn more about Beatrice and BeHASSTic at https://www.behasstic.org/.