Reinventing Schools May Be the Headline—But Carver’s Proven Model Stands the Test of Time
Across the country, there’s no shortage of stories about the “reinvention” of schools. From bold new technologies to alternative schedules and curriculum redesigns, the headlines swirl with promises of transformation. While many of these ideas come and go, Carver has always known that the most powerful innovation is also the most timeless: certified daytime teachers who bring their expertise, relationships, and commitment to students beyond the school day.
At Carver, we don’t chase trends—we build futures. By extending the reach of the very educators who guide students through their school day, our out-of-school programs deliver personalized learning, social-emotional support, and enrichment experiences that meet each student where they are. This is not just “afterschool.” It is a seamless, holistic approach to education that reinforces classroom learning while helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
We are fortunate to partner with Norwalk Public Schools (NPS), an institution of excellence navigating near-impossible challenges every day amid national and federal disruptions. Together, Carver and NPS work side by side to find solutions to today’s issues, ensuring that students are not only supported, but lifted. Our shared mission is clear: every student deserves to thrive, in school and beyond.
Carver’s commitment to excellence was affirmed this week by independent reviewers. After months of rigorous analysis, the Better Business Bureau recently declared that Carver once again meets all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability—the highest measure of nonprofit trustworthiness, transparency, and governance. This endorsement reflects not only Carver’s integrity but also our steadfast dedication to stewarding resources wisely and maximizing impact for every student we serve.
The result? Outcomes that never grow old: 100% of Carver seniors have graduated on time since 2005, and nearly all become the first in their families to attend college.
As education debates continue, Carver remains steady. Innovation matters—but so does what lasts. And what lasts are dedicated teachers, trusted partners, personalized support, and a community that believes in every student’s potential.
Crane NXT Renews $5,000 Gift to Carver — With a Special New Addition to the Celebration
Bill Alexander standing with Nikki LaFaye, Carver Director of Philanthropy, with Bill’s daughter Isa, looking on.
Today, Carver was delighted to welcome back a familiar face — and meet two brand new ones! Bill Alexander, Accounting Supervisor at Crane NXT (and proud new dad!), stopped by to present a generous $5,000 annual renewal gift from Crane’s philanthropic arm, Crane Charitable Funds. Joining Bill were his wife, Tricia, and their beautiful newborn daughter, Isa, whose name honors Tricia’s Filipino roots and means “number one.”
Bill’s connection to Carver runs deep. Growing up in Norwalk, he spent countless hours playing basketball on Carver’s court, creating memories that continue to inspire his support today. Now living in Stamford, where Crane is headquartered, Bill remains a dedicated advocate for Carver’s mission. Each visit, he says, leaves him more impressed by our continued growth and the impact we’re making in the community.
We are so grateful to Bill and everyone at Crane NXT for their inspiring partnership and belief in Carver students. Your generosity fuels our programs, strengthens our initiatives, and helps us open new doors of opportunity for the youth of Norwalk.
Congratulations to Bill and Tricia on the arrival of baby Isa — and thank you for making this visit one for the memory books!
From Summer Success to a Bright New School Year: Carver Kids Are Ready for 2025–26!
Carver’s Summer 2025 programs wrapped up with incredible energy, growth, and unforgettable experiences for our students—and we can’t wait to build on that momentum when the 2025–26 school year begins on Monday, August 25!
This summer, Carver programs reached more than 1,400 young people across Bridgeport and Norwalk, each opportunity designed to inspire curiosity, build skills, and foster connections:
Kick-Off to Kindergarten (Bridgeport): 90 children across six sites gained confidence and readiness for their first big school year.
Summer Transition (Norwalk): 460 rising 6th and 9th graders at five school sites prepared for new academic and social environments.
Full-Day Enrichment Camps: 500+ youth thrived at Carver Center, SoNo, and Jefferson with hands-on STEAM, arts, and wellness programs.
After the Summer Bell (Kendall School): 150 students enjoyed full-day care blending academics and enrichment.
Summer Run & LOVE Unit: 120 students developed basketball skills, leadership, and mentorship connections.
Ecology School in Maine: 83 students explored tidepools, canoed, and hiked, discovering the wonder of the natural world.
These experiences built skills, friendships, and confidence that will carry into the school year ahead.
As we look toward August 25, we are ready to welcome Carver students back for another year of academic support, enrichment, and opportunity. Here’s to an exciting 2025–26 school year, filled with learning, growth, and new adventures!
Berries, Barnyards, and Big Smiles: Carver Campers Explore Silverman’s Farm
Plucking sweet blueberries at Silverman’s Farm yields a joyful day of exploration, learning, and connection for Carver’s youngest summer campers.
This week, our 5- and 6-year-old campers ventured to Easton, CT, to experience the magic of Silverman’s Farm, a local treasure celebrating its 102nd year. Founded in 1923 by Ben Silverman—who, like Carver’s own namesake, George Washington Carver, had a deep love of plants and gardening—this farm has been a place of hard work, community, and growth for generations.
Ben Silverman was born in New York City in 1898 and moved to Connecticut as a young man, working on cow farms for just a dollar a day. After saving enough money while working at a munitions factory during WWI, he purchased land in Easton and began building the farm that still thrives today on Sport Hill Road.
In the 1970s and ’80s, Silverman’s transformed into the pick-your-own fruit farm beloved by families across the region. Today, it features not only a wide-spread orchard and scenic tractor rides, but also a lively petting zoo filled with friendly barnyard animals and fowl—making it an ideal summer outing for curious young minds.
For Carver campers, the visit was full of wonder. From picking their own blueberries to meeting goats and peacocks, the children had a blast engaging all their senses. Beyond the excitement, the experience encouraged discovery, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for nature and local history.
We are grateful to Silverman’s Farm for welcoming our Carver campers into this special tradition and helping create summertime memories that will last a lifetime.
Altar’d State Renews Support for Carver Youth Through Mission Mondays at SoNo Collection
Carver is proud to be selected once again as the Mission Monday partner of Altar’d State, the boutique women’s and teen clothing store located at the SoNo Collection Mall in Norwalk. For three months—from Monday, August 4 through Monday, October 27—Altar’d State will donate 10% of all Monday sales to support Carver’s life-changing programs for Norwalk youth.
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the leadership of Samantha Tiano, store manager and proud Norwalk Public Schools graduate. Samantha visited Carver this week and expressed deep enthusiasm for our mission. Her commitment to giving back to the community she came from brings this collaboration full circle.
As part of the national retailer’s philanthropic platform, Stand Out for Good, Inc., Mission Mondays are designed to uplift local nonprofits that align with Altar’d State’s values. Carver’s work supporting K-12 students with academic enrichment, wellness, and college and career readiness is a natural fit.
“We are honored to support the incredible work your organization does to make a meaningful difference in our community,” the company shared. “Your mission and impact align beautifully with our values, and we are excited to help bring further awareness and support to your cause. We believe that together, we can inspire even greater change.”
We’re deeply grateful for this continued partnership with Altar’d State and for Samantha’s heartfelt advocacy. Every Monday purchase at their SoNo store helps advance educational opportunity, equity, and success for the nearly 3,000 students Carver serves annually.
Thank you, Altar’d State, for standing out for good—and for standing with Carver.
Carver’s Revitalized Outdoor Basketball Court is Now Open!
Carver is thrilled to announce the completion of our Outdoor Basketball Court Project — one more milestone in the complete renovation of the Carver Community Center!
Our outdoor court has long been a vibrant and vital space for young people to gather, play, and connect. This newly completed upgrade reflects both our commitment to youth development and our broader investment in making the Carver Community Center a place where opportunity thrives—inside and out.
Here’s what’s new on the court:
A secure perimeter fence with a sturdy bottom railing now surrounds the court, ensuring enhanced safety and peace of mind for players and families alike.
Fresh resurfacing and a bold new color scheme make the court not just more durable, but more fun to play on:
The three-point line is now painted bright yellow
The painted key area is blue
Tennis lines remain crisp white
And the entire playing surface is now a rich green
A brand-new basketball hoop has been installed
And finally, a 4-foot outer fence along the sidewalk completes the project with added visibility and security
This newly completed outdoor court stands beside the Carver Center’s ongoing transformation, which includes a state-of-the-art two-story Teen Center, a refurbished kitchen, and much more to come.
To every donor, partner, and neighbor who believes in our mission, thank you. Your support is building more than just buildings. You're helping us create safe, welcoming spaces for youth to thrive, play, and dream big.
Come by and see it for yourself. The game is on! 🏀💚
“Sankofa Now”: Carver Honors Black Philanthropy Month with Faith in Its Roots and Vision for the Future
Since its founding in 1938, Carver has held fast to its namesake’s legacy—George Washington Carver—and the values of service, education, and racial equity that inspired our name. For 86 years, Carver has been proudly led by Black CEOs and Black Board Presidents. While our student population has grown more diverse over time, our roots remain deeply grounded in Black history and the power of Black-led philanthropy.
This August, we join the global celebration of Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), which calls on us to “Remember. Reclaim. Rise.” This year’s theme, Sankofa Now, reminds us that to move forward with strength, we must also look back with purpose.
Carver will participate in a special statewide virtual event on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, celebrating Black philanthropy in Connecticut. This impactful gathering will feature spoken word performances and a panel discussion that highlights the culture, impact, and legacy of giving within Black communities.
Representing Fairfield County on the panel is Julienne Foy, Executive Director of The Odyssey Family Executive Center and a tireless advocate for youth and education. She also serves on the board of the Stamford Public Education Foundation. She is Co-Chair of The SOUL Fund at the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation—a giving circle advancing support for Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in our region.
A second George Washington Carver stamp was issued February 3, 1998.
From the mutual aid societies of the 1800s to the giving circles and grassroots movements of today, Black philanthropy is a vibrant and enduring force in American civic life. Black communities give at higher rates relative to their wealth than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Yet, traditional fundraising efforts often overlook these donors and their deep-rooted commitment to community wellbeing.
Carver’s mission is—and always has been—an expression of this tradition: mobilizing community, uplifting youth, and honoring the strength and generosity that defines Black leadership and vision.
This month, and every month, we recommit to that legacy. We invite you to learn more, get involved, and celebrate the beauty and power of Black giving.
👉 Register here for the August 19th virtual event presented in partnership by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Connecticut Community Foundation, Fairfield County's Community Foundation, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and The Prosperity Foundation.
Beyond the Classroom: Why Carver’s Summer and After-School Programs Are Essential for Student Success
As Carver summer programs are in full swing and registration opens for our 2025–2026 before and after-school programs, we’re reminded that the most important learning often happens beyond the traditional classroom.
Carver students are making discoveries at The Ecology School in Maine this summer
In a world marked by rapid change—academic setbacks, teacher shortages, and the rise of AI—the question isn’t if education must evolve, but how. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASM) makes one thing clear: out-of-school-time (OST) programs are not a luxury. They are a necessity.
Carver’s summer and school-year programs provide exactly what students need to thrive today—safe, supportive spaces that spark curiosity, nurture relationships, and inspire motivation. These environments boost school attendance, academic motivation, mental health, and long-term outcomes. But just as importantly, they help young people find their voice, connect with caring adults, and build skills that matter in life—like problem solving, collaboration, and resilience.
Education must reflect the full humanity of our students. It’s not just about mastering content, but also about feeling seen, supported, and inspired. That’s the power of Carver’s OST programs—where students not only learn, but want to learn.
As we look ahead, we must continue to invest in these transformational spaces. Carver is proud to stand at the forefront of this movement—meeting the moment and shaping the future of education, one joyful, engaging, after-school experience at a time.
Registration for Carver’s 2025–2026 Before and After School Programs Opens Monday, July 28!
Carver is excited to announce that registration for our 2025–2026 Before and After School Programs opens Monday, July 28, 2025!
Parents and caregivers can sign up online starting Monday using the link above.
Carver’s award-winning programs serve students in every K–12 Norwalk Public School and offer a safe, enriching, and supportive environment where students thrive academically and socially. Our before and after school offerings include:
Homework help and tutoring
STEAM and literacy enrichment
Wellness and physical activities
Arts, leadership development, and college/career readiness
Free transportation
Dedicated educators and mentors
Whether you’re a returning Carver family or joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome your student for another exciting school year of growth, learning, and joy.
📅 Mark your calendar: Registration opens Monday, July 28, 2025
🔗 Register here!
For questions or support, please contact us directly. Spots fill quickly—don’t wait!