Carver Future Readiness Coordinators Inspire College Dreams at NYUL’s 37th Annual HBCU Fair

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Carver’s four full-time Future Readiness Coordinators (Iman Laborde, Isaiah Gaddy, Rayshonda Mitchell, and Candace Wright) proudly led Carver high school students to the 37th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair, hosted by the New York Urban League (NYUL) at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in New York City. This highly anticipated event continues to be a pivotal moment for students exploring their academic futures at HBCUs, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal connections and life-changing decisions.

Founded in 1938, Carver was an early leader in the national movement to provide students with support after school. Once Carver expanded beyond its community center into Norwalk’s schools, It began to receive very competitive 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants. This is the only federal funding source supporting local after-school, before-school, and summer learning programs. Today, this funding supports many Carver initiatives, such as this HBCU college fair, STEM education opportunities, college tours, workforce development, and social and emotional support.

Carver spotlights HBCUs as part of its annual Spring Break College Tours, encouraging students to consider these historic institutions' powerful legacies and unique educational offerings. Many Carver alumni have proudly chosen HBCUs for their higher education journey, and events like this fair provide a vital connection between prospective students and the possibilities ahead.

This year's HBCU Fair was no exception, offering students access to:

• Admissions Representatives from numerous HBCUs are ready to answer questions and guide the application process.

• On-Site College Applications, allowing students to apply directly to schools.

• Scholarship Resources that open doors to financial aid opportunities.

• Workshops designed to prepare students for academic and career success.

• HBCU Entertainment celebrates the vibrant culture of these institutions.

The fair, co-organized with the Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, and the NYUL Young Professionals, has a proven record of success. Last year alone, the event welcomed over 5,000 attendees, waived 2,350 application fees, and awarded over $2 million in scholarships on-site.

This year, Carver student Rodelin Constant, a Brien McMahon High School senior, received an incredible five admission offers from HBCUs, underscoring the transformative impact of events like this. Rodelin’s success story is a testament to the potential unlocked when students are given the tools and opportunities to pursue their goals.

The HBCU Fair is a bridge to brighter futures. By connecting students with institutions that celebrate heritage, foster community, and champion excellence, the fair empowers students to dream big and take actionable steps toward those dreams.

At Carver, we remain committed to fostering these opportunities for the students we serve. Whether through our college tours, after-school programs, or events like the HBCU Fair, we work tirelessly to ensure that every student has the chance to achieve their fullest potential.

Congratulations to Rodelin and all the Carver students who attended the fair! Your journey begins, and we can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish.

Join Us for Carver’s Annual Meeting: Celebrate Our Impact and Shape the Future

We are pleased to invite you to Carver’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, which will take place at the Carver Community Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6:30 PM. This important gathering will bring together Carver’s leadership, partners, and community members to reflect on our achievements, review the outcomes of FY 2023-2024, and elect a new slate of directors who will help guide our mission forward.

The meeting will feature updates from our board committees, sharing insights into our programs, impact, and strategic priorities as we continue our commitment to empowering Norwalk youth and families. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with our Board members, learn about our vision for the year ahead, and celebrate our incredible progress together.

We encourage all members of the Carver community to attend and share in this special event. Your presence and support are vital as we look to the future with optimism and a renewed focus on making a positive difference.

Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Carver Community Center, 7 Academy St, Norwalk, CT

We look forward to seeing you there!

Help Carver Reach Our Goal to Support 125 Families This Thanksgiving! 🍁

Carver’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is in full swing, and we’re committed to ensuring 125 families enjoy a festive, fulfilling holiday meal. As we work toward our goal, we need your support more than ever! Your generosity will help families across our community gather around the table and celebrate with gratitude. Whether it’s a donation of turkeys, financial contributions, or simply spreading the word, every bit makes a difference. Together, we can make this Thanksgiving a season of hope and warmth for those who need it most. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact!

Please get in touch with Brian Allert (brian@the-carver.org) or Nikki LaFaye (nikki@the-carver.org) to volunteer or for more information.

Moffly Media Profiles Carver Volunteer Andrea Moore: A Westport Philanthropist Dedicated to Making a Difference

Moffly Media Photograph by Andrea Carson

We are proud to share this feature by Moffly Media, our exclusive event media sponsor, highlighting one of Carver's dedicated volunteers, Andrea Moore. In their latest article, Westport's Fierce Philanthropists, Andrea's inspiring service journey, alongside her daughters, takes center stage through the National Charity League (NCL) Westport/Weston Chapter. Other chapter volunteers organized this fall fun day for our children at the Carver Community Center just a few days ago.

Andrea was first introduced to Carver by board member Inwha Kim, who invited her to participate in a few Carver events, such as this recent West[port Connections party hosted by Clarendon Fine Art Gallery. It didn’t take long for her to become deeply invested in our mission and the success of the students we serve.

"Once I heard the student's success stories, I was hooked on the organization, their mission, and the significant impact they are having on young lives," Andrea shared with Moffly Media. "One of the most impressive statistics is since 2005, 100% of the Carver seniors have graduated on time from high school, and almost all have become first-generation college students. The impact is significant."

Andrea’s passion and commitment exemplify the spirit of volunteerism that powers Carver’s programs. Her involvement and daughters represent a family legacy of giving back to the community and supporting youth in their educational journeys.

We are grateful to Moffly Media for spotlighting Andrea and the incredible work of our volunteers. Their support helps amplify the stories of those making a profound difference in the lives of young people every day.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with Carver, visit Carver’s Volunteer Page. Together, we can continue to make an impact!

Warming Hearts with Yarn: Carver’s 5th Grade Scholars Crocheting Project at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School

This fall, the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School took on a unique and heartwarming project. Led by Jefferson’s crocheting expert teacher, Mrs. Liz Williams, students dove into crocheting, creating a cozy blanket for the school nurse’s office. The student’s experiences inspired the initiative, noting that the nurse's office can be chilly when they aren’t feeling well. Mrs. Williams, with her years of experience and passion for crocheting, turned this idea into a creative and educational project as part of Carver’s STEAM enrichment activities.

Mrs. Williams is a beloved teacher at Jefferson, known for her patience and creativity. Her approach in the classroom ensures that each student, regardless of skill level, receives personalized guidance. She demonstrates every stitch, providing a step-by-step tutorial. With individual support tailored to each student's needs, she nurtures a supportive environment where creativity thrives.

The students who participated in this meaningful project were:

• Victoria A.

• Audrey M.

• Lianny

• Adrianna

• Yaxiel

• Maria

• Zuria

• Arianna

• Lixy

• Maddy

• Dailyn

• Brihatna

• Yaretzi

• Kylie

• Anusha

• Selena

• Kym

• Kelly

These young scholars worked together, learning the intricacies of crocheting while contributing to a project that would comfort their classmates in need. The experience provided a wonderful blend of technical skill development and community service, hallmarks of the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program.

The Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program is designed to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience to prepare these 5th graders for middle school. It emphasizes academic support and enrichment, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Under the leadership of Carver's Lead Program Coordinator, Julie Signore, a 5th Grade Teacher at Jefferson, the program offers diverse activities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Carver’s commitment to supporting students at Jefferson includes providing after-school programming that helps them develop new skills, explore their interests, and build a strong foundation for future success.

Through this crocheting project, the students learned a new craft and experienced the joy of creating something with a purpose. This initiative is a beautiful example of how Carver’s STEAM enrichment programming goes beyond traditional academics, fostering practical and meaningful skills.

Fostering Responsibility and Curiosity: Carver’s Aquarium Inspires Young Stewards of Nature

At the heart of the Carver Community Center is a humble yet bustling aquarium that has quickly become a favorite among our K-5 students. Our aquarium is a hands-on learning tool that allows children to connect with nature, fostering a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and wonder. Maintaining an aquarium is no small task, and at Carver, we believe that teaching kids to care for these underwater ecosystems has lasting benefits that extend far beyond the glass tank.

Each week, our students rotate responsibilities for feeding the fish, checking the water quality, and observing the health and behavior of their finned friends. Through these tasks, children learn the importance of consistency, patience, and each individual's role in maintaining a healthy environment. We teach them to carefully measure the amount of food to prevent overfeeding and guide them in routine cleaning tasks to keep the tank clear and vibrant. By participating in these activities, our students gain hands-on knowledge about ecosystems, balance, and the needs of living creatures, skills that align well with our STEAM-based educational approach.

One of the highlights of our aquarium program is when the students share what they’ve observed about the fish during the week. This might be anything from noticing a fish’s unique behavior to observing how they interact with their environment. These discussions spark curiosity, encourage questions, and empower students to think critically about how small actions can impact the well-being of animals.

Our aquarium offers a peaceful, grounding experience in a world increasingly dominated by screens. Students can slow down, observe quietly, and care for creatures that rely on them, instilling a sense of empathy and stewardship that we hope will stay with them as they grow, whether it’s a first-grader gently feeding the fish or a fifth-grader taking charge of water quality checks, every student who contributes to our aquarium learns that they, too, have the power to make a difference, one small ripple at a time.

At Carver, we’re proud to see our students’ excitement and dedication grow as they care for our aquatic residents. The aquarium has become a symbol of our community’s commitment to nurturing minds and hearts.

Help Carver Reach Our Goal to Support 125 Families This Thanksgiving! 🍁

Carver’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is in full swing, and we’re committed to ensuring 125 families enjoy a festive, fulfilling holiday meal. As we work toward our goal, we need your support more than ever! Your generosity will help families across our community gather around the table and celebrate with gratitude. Whether it’s a donation of turkeys, financial contributions, or simply spreading the word, every bit makes a difference. Together, we can make this Thanksgiving a season of hope and warmth for those who need it most. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact!

Please get in touch with Brian Allert (brian@the-carver.org) or Nikki LaFaye (nikki@the-carver.org) to volunteer or for more information.

Building Leaders and Giving Back: Girl Scouts of Connecticut Bring Crafts and Community Spirit to Carver's Youngest Students

This week, the Carver Community Center welcomed a special group from the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, who delivered an engaging crafts workshop for our K-5 students. Known for their commitment to community service and youth development, the Girl Scouts provided an inspiring hands-on experience that sparked creativity and reinforced core values of leadership and teamwork.

The crafts workshop, hosted by the Girl Scouts, was an opportunity for our young students to learn the importance of giving back and working together. The Girl Scouts’ approach is rooted in empowering youth with essential life skills, and their community partnerships—like the one with Carver—play a crucial role in fostering well-rounded, socially responsible young citizens.

Through initiatives like this, the Girl Scouts of Connecticut continue championing important values in young students. Programs like today’s craft workshop help foster:

• Leadership: Guiding others and taking responsibility within their communities.

• Critical Thinking: Problem-solving and creativity to bring their ideas to life.

• Teamwork: Working together harmoniously to achieve a common goal.

• Civic Engagement: Understanding and actively participating in their communities.

• Environmental Stewardship: Learning to appreciate and protect the natural world.

The Girl Scouts’ dedication to supporting community-based organizations like Carver shows their commitment to creating leaders for tomorrow. Our students left the workshop with beautiful crafts and a sense of pride, teamwork, and excitement about what they can accomplish when they work together.

We’re grateful to the Girl Scouts of Connecticut for their meaningful partnership and for helping Carver’s youngest students discover the joy of creativity, service, and leadership. This workshop is just one example of how we’re working together to empower future leaders and positively impact our community.

Carver Students Experience the Magic of Music: Hands-On Moments with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra

At Carver, we believe in the power of creativity and the arts to expand young minds and inspire dreams. That’s why we’re thrilled to have the continued support and partnership of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, an organization that has elevated the cultural life of Norwalk and surrounding communities since its founding in 1939.

This fall, Carver students were treated to a special behind-the-scenes experience. They immersed themselves in the world of music and met the artists who brought its magic to life.

Recently, a group of Carver students had the incredible opportunity to attend a rehearsal with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, observing first-hand the dedication, teamwork, and talent that go into each performance. Watching the professional musicians play, tune, and harmonize was a thrill, sparking curiosity and admiration as the students witnessed the building blocks of a symphony concert. The children sat captivated, listening as each instrument contributed to the symphony’s full, resonant sound. Seeing the musicians at work brought music to life in a way that left a lasting impression, highlighting not only the excitement of live performance but also the commitment needed to master an instrument.

But the orchestra doesn’t stop there—they have in the past brought their instruments to the Carver Community Center for a hands-on workshop that connected students with the artists and their tools of the trade. Musicians from the symphony led demonstrations of their instruments, providing students with a chance to try their hands at the violin, cello, flute, and other orchestral instruments. The symphony’s artists patiently guided each student, sharing stories about their musical journeys and encouraging curiosity and experimentation. For many students, it was a first encounter with these classical instruments, and their faces lit up with wonder as they produced sounds, some for the very first time.

Since its inception, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra has been committed to sharing the beauty of music with the entire community, creating vibrant, unforgettable experiences that resonate beyond the concert hall. Through these hands-on sessions at Carver and open rehearsals, they continue to bring the arts to the heart of Norwalk, enriching lives and sparking passions that will carry forward for years to come. We are grateful for their support and look forward to seeing more Carver kids explore the joys of music with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.

Norwalk’s New Arts and Cultural District Designation Amplifies Carver’s Commitment to STEAM Education

Norwalk recently celebrated its new status as an Arts and Cultural District, awarded by the Connecticut Office of the Arts. This designation, highlighted by a community celebration in Mathews Park, marks a pivotal recognition of Norwalk’s vibrant creative landscape. The event also featured unveiling an expansive mural that spans over 1,000 feet along a retaining wall near Interstate 95, welcoming visitors with colorful depictions of animals chosen by residents in a summer survey. The mural, painted by local artists Sonny Behan and Ernesto Maranje with assistance from five other artists, has transformed the space into a testament to Norwalk’s unique artistic spirit.

As Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, city officials, and community members gathered to celebrate, the spotlight on Norwalk’s creative environment reinforced the value of Carver’s STEAM programming. By weaving arts education into its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) offerings, Carver nurtures creative expression alongside academic development for Norwalk’s youth. Through hands-on learning, Carver’s students engage with the arts in ways that stimulate imagination, problem-solving, and critical thinking—skills that will shape their futures and enhance their contributions to a culturally rich community.

Carver’s alignment with Norwalk’s dedication to arts and culture demonstrates the importance of fostering artistic appreciation from a young age. Norwalk’s new Arts and Cultural District designation underscores the community’s collective commitment to creativity and further inspires Carver’s students. With Carver’s longtime and nearby program partner Norwalk Arts Space and the city’s array of galleries, theaters, and creative businesses, Carver’s students experience firsthand the influence of art in their community, learning that the arts are not only an expression but a vital part of community identity.

Norwalk Art Space

Commenting on the mural, Common Council member Josh Goldstein said, " The wall is now transformed and emblematic of what makes Norwalk special. It’s colorful and welcoming, thoughtful, and exciting.” This sentiment echoes the values Carver seeks to instill in students through its STEAM programming: creativity, curiosity, and community engagement.

In Norwalk, art is not just seen—it’s experienced, shared, and celebrated. This Arts and Cultural District designation strengthens the city’s commitment to nurturing a supportive environment for artists and educators, encouraging Carver’s students and the larger community to explore, innovate, and contribute to the vibrant artistic culture that makes Norwalk a truly inspiring place to live and learn.