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Carver Programs Remain Unaffected by Federal Funding Uncertainty

Update, 1/29,2025, 1 PM: The Trump administration rescinded the order this afternoon, which would have frozen federal funding, including grants, loans, and other financial assistance. The original order had caused widespread confusion among organizations and states that rely on federal funding. It threatened to disrupt payments for medical and child-care providers and potentially impact trillions of dollars in government funding. The rescission came shortly before a federal judge in Rhode Island was scheduled to consider a request from 22 states and the District of Columbia for a temporary restraining order against the policy. This followed a separate case in which U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan had already temporarily blocked the freeze until the following Monday. The reversal was communicated through a two-line memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget, simply stating that the previous directive was "rescinded" and directing any questions to government lawyers.

The White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued this memo ordering a temporary halt to “all federal financial assistance,” potentially paralyzing a wide range of federal programs. This action caused confusion and concern; however, we want to assure our Carver families that our programs will continue uninterrupted. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are likely as the legal challenge to the freeze proceeds.

Temporary Administrative Stay

Yesterday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered that payments for active federal awards must continue immediately and remain in place through at least Monday, February 3. However, it is uncertain what will happen after Monday. Even now, the Trump administration may assume the authority to pause and review new awards, meaning the memorandum may suspend new grants and funding.

What This Means for Carver Programs

Carver programs are evenly supported by government, municipal, private, and other funding streams—existing budget allocations support Carver's many programs. The federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which provides crucial funding for many of Carver’s programs, received funding for this school year and does not appear to be affected by the current suspension. Similarly, federal block grants like Title I education funding and the Child Care Development Block Grant, which support our schools and many other partners, were already distributed to state agencies and, we assume, remain operational.

Continued Uncertainty

While Carver's programming is secure, other vital services that support our families may face disruptions as agencies assess the impact of the funding pause. The federal government has given agencies until February 10 to analyze programs affected by the executive actions, but no clear timeline has been set for when funding decisions will resume.

Connecticut Leadership Actions

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to stop the implementation of the Trump administration's policy. They are seeking an immediate restraining order to prevent the enforcement of the OMB policy and preserve essential funding. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz emphasized that Connecticut has a sound fiscal situation with a robust rainy-day fund. State officials have committed to continuing critical programs that provide residents food, childcare, housing, healthcare, and other vital supports.

 Staying Informed

We encourage our community to stay informed and engaged as new guidance emerges. At Carver, we remain committed to providing our students a safe, enriching environment. We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the resources our families rely on.

Music as a Motivator: A Professional Musician Inspires South Norwalk Elementary Students

At South Norwalk Elementary School, the rhythm of inspiration filled the air during a special visit from a professional musician who shared his passion for music with our students. Monica Cervantes, Carver’s Lead Program Coordinator at the school, captured the excitement in photos and shared news about the enrichment experience.

This unforgettable day combined a live performance, an engaging Q&A session, and a hands-on music workshop that left students energized and eager to explore their creative potential.

The musician’s visit was part of Carver’s enrichment programming for this after-school program—and a powerful motivator for our young learners. Research consistently highlights the developmental benefits of active music engagement for elementary students. Learning an instrument, singing, or simply participating in music-related activities enhances cognitive development, builds social-emotional skills, and boosts confidence. For our students, this opportunity to connect with a professional musician sparked curiosity and encouraged them to dream big.

As South Norwalk Elementary School continues to grow, experiences like these reflect our commitment to the holistic development of our students. Exciting changes are underway while the school operates within the repurposed Columbus Magnet School site. A brand-new South Norwalk Elementary School is being constructed at 1 Meadow Street Extension, marking the first K-5 neighborhood school for South Norwalk families in over 40 years.

The school, designed to nurture the whole child, is gradually expanding its programming. It serves preschool through Grade 2 and adds one grade level each year. This phased approach ensures a strong foundation for the school’s growth while maintaining its focus on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for local families.

The musician’s visit is just one example of South Norwalk Elementary School fostering a culture of curiosity and creativity. By providing enrichment experiences directly to our students, we show them that their dreams—whether in music, the arts, or any other field—are well within reach.

The future looks bright with the new school construction in full swing and the South Norwalk community rallying behind this vital educational resource. Together, we’re building a hub of inspiration, connection, and opportunity for our students and their families.

Take Your SEAT: 4 Spots Open in Norwalk's Nonprofit Board Recruitment Program – Starts January 28!

Are you ready to take your seat at the table and make a lasting impact in your community? The SEAT Program (Serving, Engaging, Advancing, Transforming) is back in Norwalk, offering an incredible opportunity for residents from Black and Latino neighborhoods to step into nonprofit board service.

With just four spots left, now is the time to join this groundbreaking initiative to increase diversity and community representation on nonprofit boards. YOU CAN APPLY HERE.

Starting next Tuesday, January 28, SEAT’s ten-week training program will equip participants with essential skills to serve on nonprofit boards confidently. Led by the experienced Kim Bianca Burgess, this comprehensive program covers:

  • Identifying transferable skills to bring to a boardroom setting

  • Understanding nonprofit structures and governance

  • Preparing for meaningful board engagement

One of the program’s highlights is the Meet & Greet events, where participants connect with nonprofit organizations actively seeking board members. These events foster valuable connections and provide a pathway to board service without any obligations—just opportunities. In fact, over 70% of SEAT graduates have been recruited to nonprofit boards, helping organizations better reflect and serve their communities.

Since its inception in 2021, SEAT has successfully trained over 45 candidates, with more than two dozen nonprofit boards benefiting from the program’s graduates. Last year, 5 out of the 6 participating Norwalk nonprofits found candidates through SEAT, highlighting its success in building bridges between nonprofits and local talent.

Why Join SEAT?
If you are passionate about making a difference, influencing decision-making, and bringing your lived experience to the table, SEAT offers a structured pathway to meaningful board service. Whether you’re new to nonprofit work or looking to expand your leadership experience, this program is for you.

Don't miss out—secure your spot today! Step up. Serve. Lead. Take your SEAT.

Baking Up Success: Kimberly Konstant Inspires Carver Students in the Newly Renovated Community Center Kitchen

Volunteer Kimberly Konstant is sharing her culinary passion with Carver students. A seasoned marketing executive and Westport resident, Kimberly brings her creative energy and collaborative spirit to teach the art and science of baking, a life skill that nourishes creativity, connection, and confidence. It not only fosters a sense of accomplishment and brings people together but also teaches the importance of nutrition and the value of using whole, nutritious ingredients instead of empty-calorie or artificial alternatives. It’s a delicious way to build healthy habits and a deeper understanding of mindful eating.

Kimberly also helped the Carver Westport Connections Party be a vibrant event celebrating community involvement and engagement. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, including leadership roles at renowned companies like Google, Calvin Klein, and MAV Beauty Brands, she’s no stranger to inspiring creativity and fostering collaboration. Her professional success is matched by her compassionate approach to service, guided by her belief in the power of meaningful contributions, no matter how small.

Under her guidance, Carver students learn baking techniques and explore concepts such as nutrition, sustainable food practices, and food safety. The newly renovated kitchen, designed to foster hands-on learning and equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, provides the perfect setting for these lessons.

Kimberly’s classes are interactive and engaging. They allow students to experiment with ingredients, try new recipes, and gain confidence in their abilities. The students’ excitement is evident as they chop, mix, and create treats they can proudly share with their families.

This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration, highlighting how Carver’s programs continue to enrich the lives of students and volunteers alike. Kimberly’s dedication exemplifies the spirit of Carver’s mission: empowering youth through education, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities.

The renovated kitchen is now a hub of inspiration, connection, and growth. Thanks to volunteers like Kimberly Konstant, Carver students are learning to approach challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a dash of confidence. 

Shaping Dreams and Inspiring Futures: Carver's 2025 Spring College Tour Embarks on a Transformative Journey

Carver is preparing to embark on a journey that transforms aspirations into realities and cultivates a generation of achievers.

During the highly anticipated 2025 53rd Annual Spring College Tour, a group of eager students, accompanied by Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin and dedicated chaperones, will set out on a road trip that promises to inspire and empower.

A Journey of Discovery

The 2025 Spring College Tour will take students through Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, visiting some of the region’s most prestigious colleges and universities. Carefully curated to foster academic curiosity, cultural enrichment, and personal growth, this year’s itinerary showcases the opportunities and experiences awaiting these young learners.

At each stop, students will be welcomed by school administrators, admissions officers, and successful Carver alumni. These encounters offer invaluable insights into navigating the college journey, uncovering academic and career possibilities, and learning the importance of persistence and ambition.

More Than a Road Trip

The Spring College Tour is a transformative odyssey. For many students, it will be their first time stepping outside of Connecticut, let alone onto a college campus, immersing themselves in the vibrant energy of higher education and imagining themselves among the ranks of future scholars.

This journey reflects Carver’s mission to empower young minds, foster a lifelong love of learning, and instill the confidence to aim high. Through campus visits, inspiring conversations, and the camaraderie of peers, students will leave with fond memories, as well as the tools and determination to carve out their futures.

Connections That Last a Lifetime

One of the tour’s most meaningful elements is the chance for students to connect with Carver alumni who have walked in their shoes and now thrive in their chosen fields. These interactions at each visited university and college underscore the profound impact of mentorship, offering relatable role models who prove that hard work and ambition can lead to remarkable achievements.

Looking Ahead

As the Carver community eagerly counts down to the departure of the 2025 Spring College Tour, anticipation is high for the unforgettable experiences that await. This journey will shape dreams, forge connections, and inspire a new generation of achievers to reach for the stars.

Stay tuned for updates from the road as Carver’s students embark on this extraordinary adventure!

Carver in the News: $1.8M Grant to Boost After-School Programs for Norwalk Students

Carver is again in the news, with The Hour shining a spotlight on Carver securing a three-year $1.8 million grant to enhance after-school programming for Norwalk’s fourth and fifth graders. This federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant will support students at Kendall College and Career Academy, Tracey Magnet School, Brookside Elementary School, and Fox Run Elementary School over the next three years.

The Hour Recognizes Carver’s Impact
The coverage from The Hour highlights Carver’s continued dedication to Norwalk’s youth and its mission to bridge academic and enrichment gaps. Carver is no stranger to the news for its innovative programs and commitment to student success, and this grant is another milestone in its storied legacy.

Expanding Opportunities for Young Learners
This $1.8 million grant will enable Carver to deliver high-quality after-school programs that blend academic support, STEAM activities, and social-emotional development. By focusing on fourth and fifth graders, these programs are designed to prepare students for a seamless transition to middle school while fostering their confidence, curiosity, and creativity.

A Spotlight on Four Schools
Carver’s after-school programming will directly benefit students at:

  • Kendall College and Career Academy

  • Tracey Magnet School

  • Brookside Elementary School

  • Fox Run Elementary School

Each school will serve as a hub for academic growth and enrichment, tailored to meet the unique needs of its students.

Celebrating Community Collaboration
The Hour’s coverage underscores the vital partnership between Carver and Norwalk Public Schools. This collaboration ensures that every dollar of the $1.8 million grant is maximized to provide meaningful, life-changing opportunities for students.

Why This Matters
As Norwalk’s trusted nonprofit provider of after-school and summer programs, Carver remains a beacon of hope and opportunity. The Hour’s recognition of this achievement celebrates the entire Norwalk community’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Stay Tuned for More
As The Hour continues to chronicle Carver’s impact, we invite you to follow along and witness the transformative power of education and enrichment in action. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Norwalk’s youth.

In 2025 we Celebrate Carver's Class of 2024: From Graduation to a Bright Future

Carver is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Class of 2024 graduates! This year, 100% of our participating seniors—35 in total—graduated high school on time, demonstrating resilience, determination, and the incredible potential within each of them.

Our commitment to our students at Carver doesn’t end at high school graduation. We are proud to continue supporting our graduates as they enter the next chapter of their lives—college, trade school, or the workforce. Carver alumni remain part of our family, and we are here to cheer them on every step of the way.

Here’s where the Class of 2024 is headed:

College Bound:
An impressive 32 graduates have enrolled in college, pursuing their dreams at institutions that span the country. Their chosen schools include:

  • Sacred Heart University (4 students)

  • North Carolina Central University

  • Marist College

  • Holy Family University

  • Syracuse University

  • CT State Community College (8 students)

  • University of Connecticut (7 students)

  • North Carolina A&T

  • Middle Georgia State University

  • SUNY Purchase College

  • Fayetteville University

  • Western Connecticut State University (2 students)

  • Winston Salem State University

  • University of South Florida

  • Central Connecticut State University

Trade School Success:
One graduate is taking the path to trade school, attending Lincoln Tech to develop specialized skills for a thriving career.

Workforce Ready:
Two graduates are entering the workforce, bringing their talents, drive, and Carver values to their professional lives.

As much as we take pride in our work with our K12 students, we find equal joy in the ongoing success of our alumni. Their achievements are a testament to the lasting impact of the Carver experience. Whether walking the halls of a college campus, learning hands-on skills in trade school, or starting a career, Carver graduates are leaving their mark on the world—and we couldn’t be prouder.

Congratulations to the Carver Class of 2024! Once a part of Carver, always a part of Carver. We look forward to celebrating your continued success!