From Robotics Champions to Real-World Innovation: Ponus Ridge Students Explore Conair Headquarters

For a group of Carver after-school students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, a recent visit to Conair's Stamford headquarters provided an inspiring glimpse into the world of innovation, engineering, and product development.

The visit was made possible through Conair's growing partnership with The Carver and its support of the Carver Innovators initiative, which introduces middle school students to robotics, engineering, problem-solving, and other hands-on STEM experiences. As one of the earliest corporate supporters of Carver Innovators, Conair has helped create opportunities for students to see how classroom learning can connect to exciting future careers.

The Carver Innovators winning robotics team from Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy earned the visit following its first-place finish at the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Robotics held this spring at Norwalk Havoc Robot League (NHRL) in Norwalk.

Led by Joseph J. Giandurco, Carver's Lead Program Coordinator at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and the school's 6th-Grade Science Teacher, students toured Conair's offices, engineering workspaces, and product-testing laboratories. Along the way, they met with professionals from across the organization, participated in hands-on activities, and learned how a product moves from an idea or design concept through testing, manufacturing, marketing, and ultimately into the consumer marketplace.

"The Carver Innovators winning robotics team from Ponus had the opportunity to visit Conair headquarters in Stamford last week to meet with engineers, tour the facility, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the company's research and development," said Giandurco. "They each brought home a bag full of products they chose."

Carver's Manager of Middle and High School Programs, Mary Martini, joined Giandurco in chaperoning the visit.

The Carver extends its sincere appreciation to the Conair team members who coordinated and hosted the experience, including Jenna Moss, Human Resources Specialist; Rafael Soliven, Project Engineer; Robin Krulikowski, Product Certification Coordinator; and Elena Rebimbas, whose enthusiasm for STEM education and commitment to engaging students helped strengthen the partnership between Conair and The Carver. Their willingness to share their expertise, answer students' questions, and create meaningful hands-on learning opportunities transformed the visit into an unforgettable educational experience.

For students who recently spent weeks designing, building, programming, and refining robots, the visit provided a powerful real-world extension of their STEM learning. They were able to see firsthand how engineers collaborate, how products are tested and improved, and how creativity and problem-solving drive innovation.

The trip built upon the success of the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Robotics, which brought together teams from Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Roton Middle School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and West Rocks Middle School. During the competition, students tackled challenges requiring precision, teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking while demonstrating their growing knowledge of engineering and robotics.

While Ponus Ridge captured the championship trophy, the true victory was the opportunity for students to deepen their curiosity and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

Most importantly, the experience highlighted the value of partnerships between schools, nonprofits, and industry leaders. By opening its doors to students and investing in their growth, Conair demonstrated how businesses can play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers.

Joseph J. Giandurco, Carver's Lead Program Coordinator at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, 6th-Grade Science Teacher, standing with his winning students

The visit reflects a growing partnership between Conair and The Carver that extends beyond a single field trip. From serving as an early sponsor of the Carver Innovators initiative to welcoming students into its headquarters, Conair has demonstrated a genuine commitment to helping young people explore pathways in engineering, technology, product development, and innovation. The Carver is grateful for Conair's continued investment in local students and looks forward to building upon this relationship in the years ahead.

For the Carver students at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, the journey from building robots in an after-school program to exploring a world-class innovation company may be just the beginning.

Young Philanthropists Invest in The Carver's Mission

The Carver is honored to announce that it has been selected as a 2026 grant recipient by the Young Philanthropists Program (YPP) of the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF).

Following a thoughtful review process that included interviews with nonprofit leaders and careful evaluation of community impact, the student members of NCCF's Young Philanthropists Program selected The Carver as one of the organizations to receive funding this year. The grant was formally presented during the Young Philanthropists Grant Awards Ceremony held on June 2 at the New Canaan Library's Bartlett Auditorium. Carver Senior Development Manager Emily Berliet attended the event on behalf of the organization.

"We are deeply grateful to the students of the Young Philanthropists Program for their confidence in The Carver and the young people we serve," Emily said. "This grant represents more than financial support—it reflects a thoughtful investment by the next generation of community leaders."

The Carver extends special thanks to Meg Soffen, Program Officer at the New Canaan Community Foundation, for her years of support, partnership, and leadership in helping connect local philanthropy with organizations making a difference throughout Fairfield County.

The interview process left a lasting impression on Carver's leadership team. Chandler Wagner, NCCF's Young Philanthropists Program student representative, asked remarkably thoughtful and probing questions about The Carver, its students, and the measurable impact of its programs.

"It was inspiring to see such genuine curiosity, intelligence, and commitment to understanding community impact," said Carver representatives following the interview. "Chandler's questions demonstrated the kind of thoughtful leadership that gives us great confidence in the future of philanthropy."

The Young Philanthropists Program offers New Canaan High School students a unique opportunity to learn about the nonprofit sector and the role philanthropy plays in addressing community needs. Participants meet throughout the school year to learn from community leaders, explore local challenges, raise funds, conduct nonprofit interviews and site visits, and ultimately make competitive grant decisions that support organizations serving the region.

The program culminates each spring with a grant awards celebration that recognizes both the student philanthropists and the nonprofit organizations they choose to support.

Founded in 1977, the New Canaan Community Foundation has spent nearly five decades bringing together donors, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to create meaningful and lasting change. Through grantmaking, scholarships, donor-advised funds, community leadership initiatives, and programs like Young Philanthropists, NCCF continues to foster a healthier, more vibrant, and more connected community.

The Carver is proud to be among the organizations selected by this year's Young Philanthropists cohort and applauds these students for their commitment to learning, service, and thoughtful philanthropy. Their work demonstrates that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow—they are already making a meaningful difference today.

Carver Summer Transition Programs Help Students Start Middle School and High School with Confidence, Connections, and Fun

Free Summer Meals Available for Norwalk Children and Teens Through Summer Food Service Program

Families across Norwalk can once again access free summer meals for children and teens through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is locally operated by Norwalk Public Schools.

The program helps ensure that children continue to receive healthy breakfasts and lunches while school is out for the summer. All children 18 years of age and under are eligible to receive free meals at participating sites throughout the city, regardless of income or school enrollment.

Meals must be eaten onsite in accordance with state guidelines, and each child may receive one breakfast and one lunch per day. Meal schedules are coordinated with summer programs at the schools and community sites, such as Carver’s many summer programs.

The Summer Food Service Program will operate at the following Norwalk locations:

• Cranbury Elementary School

• Grace Baptist Church

• Kendall College & Career Academy

• Fox Run Elementary School

• Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy / Concord Magnet School

• Brien McMahon High School

• 46 Concord Street

• West Rocks Middle School

Most locations will operate from July 6 through July 31, with select sites continuing into early August.

This program shows Norwalk's commitment to supporting the health, wellness, and academic readiness of children throughout the summer. Reliable access to nutritious meals plays a critical role in helping students stay energized, engaged, and prepared to return to school ready to learn.

Families are encouraged to visit the Connecticut Summer Meals site locator for the most up-to-date information on meal times and locations:

Connecticut Summer Meals Site Locator

Carver’s Connections Party Ignites Support for Students and Families

(L-R) The Norwalk Connections Committee: Nikki LaFaye, Carver Director of Philanthropy Erin Foley, Connections Party host Elizabeth Sosnow, Lilly Knight, Gina Ely, Amy Benedict, and Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin

Nearly 70 friends and supporters gathered yesterday evening for a special Carver Connections Party graciously hosted by Elizabeth (a member of the Carver Board of Directors) and Peter Sosnow, creating an evening filled with conversation, inspiration, and shared commitment to the future of Carver students.

We are especially grateful to the dedicated Connections Committee — Amy Benedict, Gina Ely, Erin Foley, and Lilly Knight — for their enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to bringing friends and supporters together in support of Carver students and families.

The gathering gave guests a chance to learn more about Carver’s expanding work serving more than 3,300 K–12 students each year through before-school, after-school, summer, and future readiness programs across the community.

Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin shared reflections on the organization’s mission and growing impact, highlighting Carver’s commitment to helping students build academic strength, confidence, and leadership skills, and to providing pathways to college and careers.

(L-R) Amy Benedict (Connections Committee Member) and Keiley Fuller.

Guests also heard powerful remarks from Carver alumna and member of the Carver Board of Directors, Diaghilev Lubin-Farnell, Connecticut Assistant Attorney General, whose personal story reflected the life-changing influence that caring mentors, educational opportunity, and community support can have on a young person’s future.

Carver Board President Phil Butterfield spoke about the importance of investing in young people and sustaining programs that help students thrive during critical transition years.

A special focus of the evening was Carver’s Scholars Program, which provides year-long support for 5th-grade students as they prepare for the transition to middle school — a pivotal period when many students can otherwise experience academic and social setbacks without strong guidance and encouragement.

The evening also raised important funds that will help Carver expand opportunities for more students and families in the years ahead.

Most importantly, the gathering reflected something that has always been central to Carver’s mission: the power of relationships, community, and people coming together on behalf of young people. Friends old and new shared stories, made connections, and strengthened a collective commitment to helping students realize their fullest promise.

Carver extends heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth and Peter Sosnow for opening their home and to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the evening such a meaningful success.

Carver’s Child of America Gala Creates a World of Possibilities

At The Carver’s 2026 Child of America Gala at Shorehaven Golf Club, Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin stands (L-R) with Child of America honoree DeAndre Parks and his wife, Latrice, alongside Dr. Susan G. Weinberger and Dr. Norman J. Weinberger, the inaugural recipients of the newly established George and Carol Bauer Humanitarian Leadership Award.

Carver’s annual Child of America Gala, held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, brought together friends, donors, educators, civic leaders, volunteers, and students for an unforgettable evening celebrating Carver’s mission and the bright futures of Norwalk’s children.

See all the gala photos in three Facebook albums!

Barbara C. Smyth, Mayor of the City of Norwalk, graciously took the time to join Carver’s 2026 Child of America Gala, showing her continued interest in and support for the students, families, and communities Carver serves throughout Norwalk.

Nearly $550,000 was given to support Carver’s K–12 after-school, summer, college readiness, workforce development, and enrichment programs.

This year’s theme, “A World of Possibilities,” came to life through inspiring videos and powerful reflections on Carver’s role in helping young people dream boldly, build confidence, and prepare for the future.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the George and Carol Bauer Humanitarian Leadership Award, established to honor individuals whose lives reflect transformative philanthropy, ethical leadership, and deep commitment to community well-being. The award celebrates the Bauers’ extraordinary legacy of generosity, humility, and service.

Dr. Damon Lewis, Principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and recently named National Middle School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, attends The Carver’s 2026 Child of America Gala with his wife, Keisha Lewis.

Jasmine Prezzie introduced Carol and George Bauer. The inaugural award named in their honor was presented to Dr. Susan G. Weinberger and Dr. Norman J. Weinberger, longtime Carver volunteers, donors, and advocates whose lives of service reflect the very spirit of this new honor. Dr. Susan Weinberger, known nationally and internationally as “Dr. Mentor,” has transformed youth mentoring across the country, while Dr. Norman Weinberger has devoted more than five decades to compassionate medical care for vulnerable communities.

The evening also honored DeAndre Parks with Carver’s prestigious Child of America Award. A former Carver Board member, key architect of the Child of America Gala established in 2002, and longtime supporter of Carver scholarships, DeAndre has championed leadership, justice, opportunity, academic excellence, and access to higher education for our youth.

We are especially grateful to our Gala Chair, Jillian Kaminski (left), standing with Carver Board President Emeritus Charles Burns and his wife, Elizabeth, and Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin.

We thank the entire Gala Committee for their extraordinary leadership, creativity, and tireless commitment in bringing this unforgettable evening to life. Their vision, energy, and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work helped create a celebration that reflected the spirit of The Carver and inspired our community to invest in a world of possibilities for children and families.

Guests heard from Carver leaders and partners, including CEO Novelette Peterkin, auctioneer Robbie Gordy, Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School Principal Randall Austin, and Dr. Damon Lewis, Principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and the 2025–26 National Middle School Principal of the Year.

The live auction featured extraordinary experiences, including a Saturday Night Live dress rehearsal, a New York Giants VIP experience, a private chef’s tasting, a Metropolitan Opera private box, and a seven-night Tuscan villa stay. The paddle raise that followed invited guests to invest directly in Carver students at giving levels from $100 to $50,000.

Carver is deeply grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, student, speaker, honoree, and friend who made the evening possible. Together, they helped create a world of possibilities for the young people Carver serves every day.

George and Carol Bauer, longtime champions of educational opportunity and community impact, are pictured at Carver’s Child of America Gala, where the newly established George and Carol Bauer Humanitarian Leadership Award was introduced in recognition of their extraordinary generosity, vision, and enduring commitment to creating a world of possibilities for children and families.

As the evening ended and guests lingered over dessert and conversation, the deeper meaning of the night became unmistakably clear: Carver is far more than its programs. Every day, across classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, science labs, robotics competitions, paid internships, college tours, summer camps, and mentoring circles, Carver is helping thousands of young people move forward — from uncertainty to confidence, from potential to possibility.

For nearly nine decades, Carver has stood beside Norwalk students as they take each next step toward brighter futures. The Child of America Gala is a celebration of generosity. It is also a celebration of the momentum of children discovering talents they did not know they possessed, of families finding hope, and of a community choosing, together, to invest in the promise of its next generation.

Help Create a World of Possibilities for Carver Students This Summer

Last Friday evening, Carver’s Child of America Gala brought together an extraordinary community united around a simple, powerful idea: when we invest in young people, we create a world of possibilities.

The generosity of those in the room was inspiring—and it is already helping to shape what this summer will look like for Carver students. More gala news coming soon!

Now, we invite those who were not able to attend to be part of that same impact.

As we prepare to serve 1,500 students across nine summer programs, your support will ensure that every child has access to safe, enriching, and transformative experiences during the months when they need it most.

A gift at any level makes a meaningful difference:

• $50,000 helps fund daily transportation to and from Carver’s Summer Transition programs at four middle schools and two high schools

• $25,000 supports academic instruction, skills enrichment, and future readiness across all summer programs

• $10,000 delivers hands-on STEAM and wellness experiences, including engineering, science, nutrition, and personal health activities

• $5,000 sends students on weekly cultural and educational trips to destinations like the Connecticut Science Center, Beardsley Zoo, Stepping Stones Museum, and Stamford Nature Center

• $2,500 provides weekly pool visits with water safety instruction and swimming lessons

• $1,000 supplies materials for art, baking, and technology-based learning

• $500 supports daily small-group or one-on-one academic sessions in math and reading with certified teachers

• $250 funds weekly recreational activities such as sports, games, and outdoor play

• $100 brings special experiences to students, including guest presenters, animal encounters, and new cultural activities

Every dollar helps create a summer filled with learning, discovery, confidence, and joy.

In the coming days, we will be sharing photos and videos from the Gala that beautifully capture this spirit and that bring to life the impact of Carver’s work.

But you don’t need to wait.

You can be part of this moment right now.

Please click here today to help create a World of Possibilities for Carver students this summer!

Norwalk Public Schools Leaders Spotlight the Power of Project-Based Learning

Two Norwalk Public Schools leaders, Victor Black, Ph.D., and Beth Furnari, recently shared a powerful reflection in SmartBrief on the transformative impact of Project-Based Learning — an approach that has long been central to Carver’s own work with students.

In their article, Dr. Black, director of Norwalk Public Schools’ Magnet School Assistance Program, and Beth Furnari, principal of P-TECH Norwalk, describe Project-Based Learning as a way for students to engage deeply with real-world problems, develop original solutions, and present their work to authentic audiences. They write that PBL builds not only academic knowledge, but also critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication, confidence, and student agency.

Their examples are inspiring: students designing sneaker-search apps, smart garbage bins that generate shopping lists, and even an adaptive sports helmet for an athlete with a hearing deficit. These are not ordinary classroom assignments. They are demonstrations of what happens when young people are invited to imagine, build, test, explain, and lead.

At Carver, this philosophy is deeply familiar. For many years, Carver programs have embraced hands-on, project-based learning across after-school, summer, STEAM, college readiness, workforce development, and enrichment experiences. Whether students are building robots, conducting science experiments, creating art, developing business ideas, preparing for careers, or solving team-based challenges, Carver’s programs are designed to help students learn by doing.

The article also highlights one of the reasons PBL matters so much in a diverse district like Norwalk: it helps students see themselves differently. Dr. Black and Principal Furnari describe PBL as “the great equalizer,” noting that when students realize they can succeed in school, their confidence, attendance, behavior, and academic performance can begin to change.

That belief aligns closely with Carver’s mission. Carver partners with schools, families, and community organizations to help students discover their strengths, build real skills, and prepare for future success. Project-Based Learning is one of the most effective ways to make that happen because it connects learning to purpose.

We congratulate Dr. Black and Principal Furnari for sharing this important work with a national audience — and for helping elevate an instructional approach that reflects what Carver students demonstrate every day: when young people are trusted to think, create, collaborate, and lead, they rise.

Carver Students Shine at The Norwalk Art Space Spring Student Art Showcase

Waid Ramsubhag

Carver students proudly shared their creativity with the community at The Norwalk Art Space Spring Student Art Showcase and Recital on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The celebratory evening highlighted the achievements of spring-semester students in art and music, featuring student-created artwork and live musical performances. The event also included Carver student artwork available for sale, giving young artists the powerful experience of seeing their work displayed, appreciated, and valued by the public.

Carver’s participation was led by Waid Ramsubhag, Manager of Carver After School Program for Education and Recreation (CASPER) and Jr. YDP at the Carver Community Center. Over the course of 14 weeks, Carver students traveled to The Norwalk Art Space each Thursday, where they attended classes, brainstormed ideas, and created their own individual works of art.

Before each class, The Norwalk Art Space also provided prepared meals for Carver’s K-8 students, ensuring that every young artist arrived ready to learn, create, and participate fully.

The showcase reflected the heart of The Norwalk Art Space’s mission: providing local students with free access to high-quality art and music education, mentorship, and community exhibitions. For Carver students, the program offered arts instruction and gave them a place to imagine, express themselves, build confidence, and see their creative voices celebrated.

Carver is deeply grateful to The Norwalk Art Space for opening its doors to our students and for helping make the arts an accessible and joyful part of their learning journey.

Bid by Proxy and Be Part of Carver’s 2026 Child of America Gala this Friday, May 1

Click on the image above or here to go to the Live Auction page to see all the details.

The excitement is building for Carver’s 2026 Child of America Gala this Friday, May 1st, and you do not need to wait until the live auction begins to take part.

Explore the full collection here of this year’s exceptional live auction experiences on our auction page. From unforgettable travel to once-in-a-lifetime moments, find the experience that inspires you—and start planning your bid.

Guests who are unable to attend the gala—or who prefer not to bid in the room—can still fully participate through proxy bidding by Thursday, April 30. Simply submit your maximum bid in advance, and Carver staff will represent you during the live auction.

Your maximum bid is kept confidential. During the auction, we will raise the paddle on your behalf, increasing your bid only as needed and never going beyond your stated maximum. If your bid is the highest, you win. Even if you are ultimately outbid, your early participation helps build momentum for this important fundraising moment.

Proxy bidding allows you to participate from anywhere, stay in control of your giving, and support Carver students and families even if you cannot be in the room.

Every winning bid directly supports Carver students and families, expanding access to the opportunities that shape bright futures. Thank you for being part of the 2026 Child of America Gala and for helping make this evening a true celebration of generosity, opportunity, and a world of possibilities.

To place a proxy bid by Thursday, April 30, or ask questions, please contact: Emily Berliet, Senior Development Manager, emily@the-carver.org | 203-687-3288 mobile.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO GO TO THE AUCTION PAGE ON THIS WEBSITE TO LEARN THE DETAILS FOR EACH EXPERIENCE