Grandmother, Mother & Daughter Automotive Engineering Event on June 3rd
Join Dr. Cynthia Barnett for this automotive engineering event on June 3rd, 10 am to 12 pm! Girls grades 2nd through 7th are invited along with their mothers and grandmothers to build a motorized vehicle at The Carver Community Center. Registration is free and lunch is provided!
Register for this event by clicking the button below or navigating to https://forms.gle/w2Rv3VDYirEK3XtZ9. For more information, contact Dr. Barnett at drcynthiabarnett@gmail.com.
Sign Up Now for April Norwalk Teen Nights Out!
The online USDE College Scoreboard helps you find the right fit!
Our recently concluded 51st annual Spring Break College Tour was a great success, as reported daily by our students on this blog.
In addition to visiting college campuses, the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard offers a free online tool to help students of all ages, families, educators, counselors, and other college-access professionals make data-informed decisions when choosing a college or university to attend.
Through an open and easy-to-use website, the Scorecard supports students on their pathway to college and future careers by increasing the transparency of information that will help them understand the benefits of higher education, such as college costs, student debt, graduation rates, admissions test scores, and acceptance rates, student body diversity, post-college earnings, and much more!
Students Heaven Branch and Madison Watts report from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University on the Spring College Tour
Heaven Branch, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Madison Watts, 10th grader at Norwalk High School
North Carolina A&T University
By Heaven Branch, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Madison Watts, 10th grader at Norwalk High School
Our visit to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) was terrific. Our tour guide Colbea emphasized the welcoming nature of the university. This was our final college; our positive experience meant we ended on a high note.
NCAT is a public, Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Greensboro, North Carolina, home to the Aggies.
The school opened in 1891 and currently has approximately eleven thousand students enrolled. There is a wide selection of majors available to students, and its nurturing environment offers a place for everyone. NCAT offers incoming students, sophomores, and juniors the chance to receive many scholarships. Honors students have selective access to more desirable housing. To become eligible for the honors program, you need a 3.75 GPA. Some housing buildings are co-ed, while others are gender specific.
The school has excellent benefits and an upgraded sports facility for its students. Throughout the tour, we experienced a welcoming feel. We were very impressed with the gymnasium and student center. NCAT is ahead of other schools we visited with their integrated robots into student life. The many food options available to students are supported by robots delivering food to dorms. Study abroad programs are available to students, which interests us. We want to experience different cultures and learn through experience during our collegiate journey. Students currently attending NCAT make the college feel a lot like home. Greek life is huge at NCAT, and the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities are alive here.
The experience that we had touring this university was terrific. We never thought we would be so enthusiastic about attending a school so far from home. We are eager to enroll at an HBCU and fully experience the pride and passion. Our hope is to be committed to this University this time next year. GO AGGIES!!
Students John Akbar and Alan Flores report from the last stop on Carver's 51st Spring College Tour, Shaw University!
John Akbar and Alan Flores, 9th graders at Brian McMahon High School
Shaw University
By John Akbar and Alan Flores, 9th graders at Brian McMahon High School
After visiting eight colleges to date, we are on the final day of our tour. We now hold a different perspective.
Shaw University is a private, small, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Ja'Quze Booker enthusiastically provided the relevant information, even on a rainy day. We learned that Shaw University was founded in 1865 by Henry Martian Tupper, a Baptist Missionary. The land where Shaw is located used to be a slave plantation, and after the civil war, the land was sold to Elijah Shaw. The university has a rich history of providing high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.
Shaw University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including liberal arts, business, education, and social sciences. Shaw University only requires a 2.0 GPA to gain admission, and they have resources to support the average student. Like with many schools visited before, standardized test scores are optional, but you are encouraged to submit SAT or ACT to compete for scholarships. Tuition amounts to $25,000 annually.
One of the strengths of Shaw University is its commitment to student success. The university provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment encourages students to achieve their full potential. Shaw offers twenty-four academic programs. Fun Fact, Shaw University was the first 4-year medical school institution in North Carolina. Small class sizes (16:1 student-to-staff ratio) and personalized attention from faculty members contribute to a strong academic experience. Additionally, the university offers various academic support services, including tutoring, academic counseling, and career services.
Another key feature of Shaw University is its robust campus life. The university hosts nearly thirty clubs and organizations, as well as intramural sports and other activities. This creates a vibrant, engaging campus community fostering personal growth and social connection. Shaw University is also notable for its commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and community service initiatives. This allows students to develop their leadership skills, make meaningful connections with their peers, and gain experience that will serve them well professionally. The university also has a strong tradition of promoting civil rights and social justice; its programs and initiatives reflect this commitment. For example, Shaw University has partnerships with local organizations, such as the Baptist Church, that address social issues such as poverty and homelessness.
Overall, Shaw University is a highly respected institution that offers quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment. With its commitment to student success, campus life, and community engagement, Shaw University is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded college experience, a higher acceptance rate, and an affordable option.
Carver students Elijah Vigo and Ryan Russell share their observations about what they experienced at Duke University
Elijah Vigo, a 10th grader at Norwalk High School, and Ryan Russell, a 10th grader at P-TECH Norwalk
Duke University
By Elijah Vigo, a 10th grader at Norwalk High School, and Ryan Russell, a 10th grader at P-TECH Norwalk
Today we visited one of the most well-known universities in the country, Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina.
The Blue Devils are well known for Coach K and their dominance in NCAA basketball.
We had the privilege to see and learn about the traditions, history, resources, and accommodations described by our guide, Liza Rebold. Liza is an alumna of Duke and currently lives in Brooklyn, and works in non-profit philanthropy in New York City. While she studied at Duke, she majored in public policy and history. Liza’s dad Matt is a volunteer and advocate for Carver students. He works closely with Mr. Benson Casimir, our Future Readiness Coordinator at Norwalk High School.
Liza Rebold, an alumna of Duke, currently living in Brooklyn and working in New York City, returned to Duke to give our students a tour of the campus
Our tour began at the Susan P. Duke Gardens, 55 acres of landscaped gardens and wooded land on the hottest day of the tour. There are walking pathways throughout the gardens, and the views are breathtaking. The gardens are a memorial to Sarah Pearson Angier Duke, wife of Benjamin N. Duke who is a benefactor at Duke University. The garden is one of the best parts of the campus and is famous to the community and visited often by the residents. It’s divided into four different garden events hosted there throughout the year. The garden was voted the best place to visit on the campus by visitors.
Under the guidance of Liza, we navigated our way to the East campus. The campus is divided into East and West campuses, and the West campus is the home of all freshman students.
Duke was founded in 1838 and is a private research university that sits on 8,600 acres. We were surprised to learn that the West campus was designed mainly by Julian Abele, an African American architect who graduated at the top of his class at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. Most of the buildings at Duke University are based on Gothic architecture and the academic buildings are more French and Italian styles. One of their most famous buildings is the Duke Memorial Chapel, which is in the center of the West Campus. It was constructed from 1930 to 1935 and had 1,600 seats. It is one of the tallest buildings in Durham County, North Carolina.
Carver students in the famed campus gardens
At the chapel, we were greeted by Doug Peoples, well-known in Norwalk for basketball and Karate. He recently moved to Durham-Raleigh and stopped by to cheer us on. We appreciated his visit, and he joined us for the remainder of the tour.
Admission to Duke is very competitive, with a 6% acceptance rate. In order to gain admission to Duke, you need a GPA of 3.8 or higher. The Duke University application fee is $85. The graduation rate is 95.6%. Duke offers 53 majors and 52 minors. You can easily get involved in activities outside of academics by participating in one of their 600 student clubs.
Let’s face it. Duke is known for basketball, and most players that go on to play in the NBA were players at Duke University. One of the most well-known players to attend Duke University is Kyrie Irving. He became an NBA all-star in 2016, became the first NBA player in history to score 50 or more points in a team debut, and has been selected to the all-star team seven times in his entire career. In addition to Kyrie, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, and Seth Curry went to Duke and became the player they are right now because of Coach K. He coached the Blue Devils team from 1980-2022. The Blue Devils earned five national titles, thirteen final fours, fifteen ACC tournament championships, and thirteen ACC regular season titles. They named K Village after him, being one of the best coaches for men’s basketball. IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL HISTORY, Coach K retired in 2022 after winning more games than any other men’s basketball coach.
Duke University is an excellent school with solid academics and impressive sports programs. If you want to play sports professionally, we strongly recommend considering Duke University. This school’s tuition is $60,244, but there is access to scholarships and financial aid.
We thank Liza Rebold for generously giving her time as our special tour guide.
Students Arianna Kegler and Jaylah Reiph share what they experienced at Johnson C Smith University
Arianna Kegler, an 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Jaylah Reiph, an 11th grader at Norwalk High School
Johnson C Smith University
By Arianna Kegler, an 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Jaylah Reiph, an 11th grader at Norwalk High School
Johnson C Smith University (JCSU), located in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the sixth college we visited during Carver’s 51st Spring College Tour.
As we arrived on campus, we were greeted by Daniel Watson. He was very enthusiastic, energetic, and engaging. The vibrant campus spirit, the pride of the gold bulls, and the gold and blue colors appealed to us. Even a Black Lives Matter tribute was painted in the school’s colors.
As we toured the campus, the beautiful weather offered the backdrop for students lounging on the lawn, listening to music, and having fun with each other. “The JCSU community believes the brightest comes to be brilliant” at JCSU, and their strong traditions and student-led environment will produce the next generation of “bold innovators and leaders.” Sixty student organizations are making a better experience for freshman and transfer students. There is a family feel to JCSU.
JCSU is a private Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and an NCAA Division II school with fifteen teams available to students. It is the #1 small college in North Carolina for graduate job replacement. JCSU is a smaller institution with 1,093 students, 55% female and 45% male.
This college is the birth of black college football and the #17 best college for sports management in America. The school's requirements make it very reachable for students. It requires no SAT scores and at least a GPA of 2.0.
As a freshman on campus, you can bring your car, which, unlike many other colleges, is a plus. We became more knowledgeable about JCSU due to this informative tour, and we will keep this college in mind when making our application decisions.
Davion Pinn and Nasir Pettigrew report from Wake Forest University
Davion Pinn and Nasir Pettigrew, 11th graders at King School
Wake Forest University
By Davion Pinn and Nasir Pettigrew, 11th graders at King School
We arrived at the beautiful campus of Wake Forest University, and our driver Josh navigated his way to The Porter B. Byrum Welcome Center. We received a warm welcome as we prepared for a formal presentation.
Wake Forest University is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, it is one of the region's oldest and most prestigious universities. The university sits on 340 acres of land, and its motto is "Pro Humanitate," which means "For Humanity," reflecting its commitment to service and community engagement.
Wake Forest is divided into six undergraduate schools and graduate programs in arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, law, and medicine. Wake Forest offers 45 majors and 60 minors. The undergraduate schools include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Divinity, the School of Education, the School of Law, and the School of Medicine.
Carver’s 51st Annual Sprint College Tour group of students
Tuition, which stands at $87,554 (tuition and fees $64,756, $11,210 housing, meals $6,638, books and supplies $1,630, and other expenses of $3,320), is high. Admission staff, Mr. Martin explained that these figures are estimated average total cost and are used to determine need-based financial aid. The price should not deter the student. Once you gain admission to Wake Forest, all efforts will be made to ensure the institution's affordability.
Sitting on 340 acres, Wake Forest University is home to six colleges, a research-innovation quarter, and the personalized attention you need with a faculty-student ratio of 11:1. Those are some numbers, but below discover infinite possibilities.
In addition to their academic journey, Wake Forest students also build essential skills and relationships by participating in the many student organizations and campus programs. The school has a team dedicated to student engagement, and they will match student interests and passions with opportunities for Involvement.
When touring the campus, you quickly sense the vibrant Greek life. Since the Alpha Kappa Order was established, fraternity and sorority have been a tradition at Wake Forrest since the 1800s. There are Greek letters on corner towers around campus and buildings dedicated to fraternities and sororities. Almost half of the student body participates in Greek life. Wake Forest is now home to twelve social fraternities and eight sororities, including Omega Psi Phi and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest undergraduate school at Wake Forest University, offering a broad range of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences majors. The School of Business is highly ranked and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration. The School of Divinity offers graduate programs in theological education and ministry. It is one of the few divinity schools in the United States unaffiliated with a particular religious denomination.
Wake Forest competes in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. The Demon Deacon’s colors are Black and Gold. The teams are national leaders both athletically and academically, and Wake Forest student-athletes graduate at a 96% rate, according to the most recent NCAA-measured data released in December 2021.
As athletes, we are both impressed with Wake Forest’s State-of-the-Art Athletics Facilities, which include the Sutton Sports Performance Center, Shah Basketball Complex, and McCreary Football Field. Wake Forest is a top school for consideration.
Jermel Bynum and Chase Mobley, students at Brien McMahon High School, report from Wingate University on our 51st Annual Spring College Tour
Wingate University
By Jermel Bynum (10th grader) and Chase Mobley (11th grader) at Brien McMahon High School
Wingate University was added to the itinerary for the first time in the 51 years of the Carver Spring College Tour. Staff and students alike were eager to tour Wingate. If we were to choose two words to describe Wingate, it would be “high-end.”
We arrive at a spectacular view of fountains, manicured lawns, beautiful trees, flowers, and plants. The buildings were both older in architecture and modern. Our group was ushered into the admission/welcome center. We were all impressed with the look, feel, and newness. After a short presentation, we were joined by our tour guide, Lydia Connelly.
Wingate University is in Wingate, North Carolina, near Charlotte. The school’s current enrollment is 3,436 students, of which 2,484 are undergraduates. There is a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Teaching assistants teach no courses. Wingate is ranked the #1 Independent University in North Carolina. Students are offered thirty-eight majors, forty minors, ten pre-professional programs, and seventeen career concentrations. Seventy-five percent of the students live on campus, and there are 75 student organizations, including fraternities, non-organized sports, general clubs, and organizations.
Wingate has a reputation for winning in the NCAA Division II. Students represent over forty-eight countries and thirty-eight states. We were surprised to learn that 46% of the students are students of color.
There is no application fee for admission to Wingate. When you apply to Wingate, they have a quick two-week decision period and a 78% acceptance rate.
Fun fact: their health center is open from 7 AM-5 PM on weekdays, and everyone on campus has free healthcare access. In addition to the tuition cost, food is a deciding factor in our decision. This school offers various foods at different stations like home style, global eats (fry chicken, mac-n cheese, etc.), fresh fruits and vegetables, and a salad bar. Vegan and gluten-sensitive students have access to vegetarian and gluten-free.
Campus life seems to have a balance of entertainment and education. Students have access to many resources, including multiple places to study and multiple access to computers, cafes, and places to relax and enjoy a nice day. Wingate has an auditorium and a state-of-the-art performing center and has hosted Opera, plays, art shows, and orchestra performances hosted by the performing arts students. Senior art students often perform or perform a show as a final class project.
One thing we truly liked about this school is the 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Coming from a high school that has 25 students in a class, having 16 in a class makes a difference. Each classroom is set up differently based on the professor's teaching style and preferences. This is a great way to keep students engaged. Lydia also stressed the academic support available to students.
Again, we have two words to describe Wingate, “high-end,” and the gym complex is a perfect example. In addition to the amazing basketball arena are a practice court and total gym with top-of-the-line equipment. Several racquetball courts double as volleyball courts. Upstairs in the complex is a circular indoor track available year-round. Students have access to it all.
Our overall experience at this school was great. They pay attention to every detail required to give students a comfortable and engaging experience. There are many job opportunities available to students on campus. We noticed the groundskeeper blowing and fluffing all areas with pine straws from one end of the campus to another. The campus was designed with attention to detail, and the many fountains inspire pride in the student body. We will consider applying for admission to Wingate.
