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Carver Extends Heartfelt Gratitude to Our 2024 Child of America Gala Sponsors

The 2024 Child of America Gala is already an incredible success, thanks to the generosity of our amazing sponsors. This signature annual event, held this Friday, May 17th, at the stunning Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, is raising vital funds to support Carver's life-changing educational and wellness programs for local youth.

Carver would like to express our deepest gratitude to those who are making this unforgettable evening possible through their sponsorship:

  • Dalio Philanthropies - Presenting Sponsor

  • The Richard & Barbara Whitcomb Foundation - Presenting Sponsor

  • AfricaPlan Foundation

  • Kellee and Sam Abdelwahab

  • Wendy and Rich Baskin

  • Alexandra Baudouin

  • Deborah and Michael Brennan

  • Roz and Phil Butterfield

  • Fairfield County Bank

  • Joan Byrne

  • Per & Astrid Heidenrich Family Foundation

  • Inwha Huh & Robert Kim

  • Rod Johnson

  • Cara and Peter Kelly

  • Nuvance / Norwalk Hospital

  • The Oberman Companies

  • Patriot Bank

  • Kasey and Ben Pinchin

  • Jennifer and Andrew Ryan

  • Kim and Drew Seath

  • Brooke and Adam Sorensen

  • Sound Control Technologies

  • Terrie and Jay Wood

Thank you, sponsors, for believing in Carver's mission and playing a vital role in creating brighter futures for our youth. Your support is transformative!

Gala Seats Going Fast - Don't Miss the 2024 Child of America Event!

The anticipation is building for The Carver’s flagship annual event, the Child of America gala, on Friday, May 17th. This promises to be an extraordinary evening of inspiration and support for Carver kids. Due to overwhelming demand, the event is nearing total capacity.

If you haven't secured your seats yet, now is the time to act! Please contact NIKKI LAFAYE at NIKKI@THE-CARVER.ORG about possible availability or joining the waiting list.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates about the 2024 Child of America gala. We are creating a brighter future for the next generation of leaders and changemakers!

Don't Miss the Manufacturing Career Roadshow on May 15!

Attention all Carver middle and high school students, educators, and career counselors! Mark your calendars for the Manufacturing Career Roadshow on May 15 in Bridgeport, hosted by our good friends at ReadyCT.

REGISTER HERE!

At Carver, we're thrilled to partner with organizations like ReadyCT and individuals like Lisa Nollman, the FIRST Robotics CT Statewide Coordinator. Several years ago, in a different capacity, Lisa helped Carver secure a significant FIRST LEGO League grant in an international competition. We sincerely thank Lisa for her ongoing support and commitment to our community.

The Manufacturing Career Roadshow is a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with local manufacturers and explore Connecticut's manufacturing sector's diverse and well-paying career opportunities. This event aims to raise awareness and interest in these exciting career paths.

Connecticut businesses have noticed how well-prepared FIRST students and all Carver students who receive our robust STEM education are for careers in manufacturing, and they're eager to connect with you. At the Roadshow, you can visit various manufacturer tables, learn about their products, and ask questions about job roles, career pathways, educational requirements, and the courses you should consider taking in high school.

Remember, manufacturing offers more than just production jobs – the sector also needs skilled professionals in finance, logistics, sales, IT, human resources, and more.

We strongly encourage all middle and high school students to attend this event. Educators and career counselors, please spread the word and encourage your students to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Together, let's explore the exciting world of manufacturing and its countless possibilities for our futures.

Stay tuned for more details on the Manufacturing Career Roadshow as the date approaches!

NorWALK's Mental Health & Wellness Fair, Saturday, May 11th!

Get your friends & family together and come on down!

Check in at our 8 dimensions of wellness fair to participate in activities and enjoy music, make art & ceramics, and do laughter yoga, practice boxing and river rowing, and more!

Resources available include: health checkups, check-up from the neck up, parenting resources, Narcan, financial planning assistance, and more.

Hear from community members & the mayor about the importance of mental health.

Join your community for the 1.5 mile awareness walk!

Rsvp encouraged! https://www.thenorwalkpartnership.org/event-details/3rd-annual-norwalk-for-mental-health-walk-wellness-fair/form

Darien Honors Carver Volunteers Marcia Cleary and Sue Okie at Community Fund's 45th Celebration

Darien recently came together to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism at the Community Fund of Darien's 45th Volunteer Celebration. The event, held at the Darien Community Association, honored 41 exceptional volunteers for their selfless service.

Among those recognized were Carver’s Marcia Cleary and Sue Okie, who received the "Outstanding Volunteer Duo" award for their remarkable contributions. Their dedication has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky delivered a proclamation memorializing the annual Darien Volunteer Recognition Day, underscoring the town's deep appreciation for those who give their time and talents to make Darien and the surrounding community a better place.

The celebration was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Brown Harris Stevens, Cross Private Client Insurance, and the Darien Community Association – organizations that understand the value of community engagement.

The Community Fund of Darien has steadfastly supported Carver programs, providing vital resources to ensure our students’ continued success. This longstanding partnership exemplifies the town's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.

Attendees left the event with a renewed sense of gratitude for the volunteers whose contributions have enriched so many lives. Their selfless acts inspire us all, reminding us of the profound impact that can be made when individuals unite for the greater good.

Carver Students Defy National Trends with Stellar College Graduation Rates

A new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has shed light on a concerning trend: nearly 40% of high school graduates who enrolled in college or a certification program in 2013 failed to receive a degree or credential eight years later.

This statistic starkly contrasts the remarkable success of Carver students. Since 2005, almost 100% of seniors matriculate directly into college each year, with many being the first in their families to do so. From 2010 to 2020, 85% of Carver students graduated with a Baccalaureate degree within six years.

The April 2024 NCES study followed 23,000 students starting their freshman year of high school in 2009. While 74% of those students enrolled in college after graduating, nearly half failed to obtain any postsecondary credential by June 2021.

The study also examined students by race. Although white students had the highest enrollment rate (53%), Asian students were the top earners of bachelor’s degrees, at 56%. Hispanic and Black students had the second-and third-highest enrollment rates, though far behind white students, at 20% and 12%, respectively. Despite pursuing higher education, 46% of Hispanic students and 56% of Black students earned no postsecondary credential.

Carver’s exceptional performance in preparing its students for college success is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedicated educators, supportive resources, and a culture that values academic achievement. As the nation grapples with ensuring equitable access to higher education and fostering student success, Carver's model is a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Sign Up for Our Invaluable Summer Transition Program for Rising 9th Graders!

Sign up here. Registration and application forms are due by June 30, 2024. Click here to see and/or download the program flyer.

As the academic year winds down, many soon-to-be high school freshmen may feel excitement and apprehension about the transition to secondary education. Recognizing the challenges of navigating a larger school environment, maintaining strong grades, and juggling multiple teachers and priorities, Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk High School have teamed up to offer an invaluable Summer Transition Program from July 1 to August 1, 2024.

This comprehensive program aims to bridge the middle and high school gap, providing rising 9th graders with the tools and support they need to thrive in their upcoming academic journey. Research has consistently shown that transitioning from middle to high school is one of the most challenging points in a student's educational career, making initiatives like this all the more crucial.

During the month-long program, students will participate in a well-rounded curriculum that includes English, Math, Science, Technology, and Study Skills courses. These core subjects will reinforce essential academic concepts and equip students with the study habits and organizational skills necessary for success in high school.

But the Summer Transition Program isn't just about academics. To foster a sense of camaraderie and personal growth, students will also participate in enrichment activities and field trips designed to promote team building and enhance the overall educational experience.

The program also recognizes the vital role that proper nutrition plays in academic performance. All students enrolled in the Summer Transition Program will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch each day, ensuring they have the energy and focus to maximize their learning opportunities.

As the first day of high school draws near, the Summer Transition Program at Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk High School promises to be an invaluable investment in the future success of Norwalk's students. The program aims to alleviate anxieties, build confidence, and set the stage for a successful and rewarding high school experience by providing a supportive and comprehensive bridge into secondary education.

Step Into Wellness: NorWALK's 3rd Annual Mental Health Walk and Wellness Fair

Get your friends & family together and come on down!

Check in at our 8 dimensions of wellness fair to participate in activities and enjoy music, make art & ceramics, and do laughter yoga, practice boxing and river rowing, and more!

Resources available include: health checkups, check-up from the neck up, parenting resources, Narcan, financial planning assistance, and more.

Hear from community members & the mayor about the importance of mental health.

Join your community for the 1.5 mile awareness walk!

Rsvp encouraged! https://www.thenorwalkpartnership.org/event-details/3rd-annual-norwalk-for-mental-health-walk-wellness-fair/form

Returning Home Carver College Tour Students Get Thrills at Six Flags Great Adventure

After a week of exploring colleges and universities and then the mighty National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Carver students enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun at Six Flags Great Adventure on their way back to Norwalk.

“It is fitting that we ended our tour at Six Flag Great Adventure,” said Carver student Rodelin Constant. “We arrived in misty weather, but the weather improved as the day passed. The roller coasters Flash Vertical Velocity, Medusa, SkyScreamer, Superman, The Joker, Twister, and Kingda Ka did not disappoint. Kingda Ka is the tallest coaster in North America. It's upside-down U-shaped and goes up 45 stories. We had lots of fun and have developed new friendships, which will continue forever. A special shout out to our driver, Josh from Post Road Stages, who was with us for a second year. He greeted us politely and individually as we embarked, disembarked the bus, and transported us safely to Virginia and back home to Norwalk.”

"Kingda Ka was insane!" exclaimed another student about the park's famous 456-foot strata coaster. "Going from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds is an experience I'll never forget."

For the less daring students, themed areas like American Wilderness or Holiday in the Park provided plenty of tamer rides and attractions. The Marvel superhero characters roaming the park also made for fun selfie ops.

"This was a great way to bond, make memories, and have fun as a group one final time," said Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, always one of the Carver college tour chaperones.

The Carver students' day at Six Flags Great Adventure ensured their Spring College Tour ended on a thrilling high note.

Back in Norwalk, they'll soon prepare for an even more excellent adventure—their following chapters in school, building their careers!