Carver’s College Scholarship Program
If you are enrolled in Carver Senior YDP programs, check with your program coordinator or our administrative office for details on the Carver scholarship application. You can read about the named Carver scholarships below on this page.
For general information about college scholarships, try this Scholarship Finder maintained by US News.
We encourage you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. For more tips on completing the form, click here: https://StudentAid.gov. Start your FAFSA form at https://fafsa.gov.
In June 2023, we awarded 45 graduating seniors and continuing college students scholarships totaling $140,000. This opportunity for our students is made possible through the support of our incredible donors and program sponsorship from The Connecticut State Department of Education and 21st Century Community Learning Centers. In June 2022, we awarded $130,000 in scholarships to graduating and continuing college students. Here is a blog post about our Zoom scholarship event in June 2021. Carver high school graduates and college students received $130,000 in Carver scholarship awards in June 2020.
Since 2005, 100% of Carver seniors have graduated high school on time and nearly all became first-generation college students. From 2010 to 2020, 85% of Carver students graduated with a Baccalaureate degree in six years.
However challenging getting into college may be, that may be the easiest part of the transition to college life. That is why we support our students during their college years. Staying in college is becoming increasingly challenging for Carver’s first-generation college students as they confront steep hurdles, including financial hardships and the debt from student loans that can eventually undermine the promise of economic stability after they graduate.
Carver Scholarship Funds
SERENBETZ SCHOLARSHIP
Awards range from $2,500 to $4,000, and are awarded to Carver students who earn a GPA of 2.0 to 2.5. The Serenbetz family has generously supported Carver for many years and is especially committed to the Carver scholarship program. Thelma Serenbetz, matriarch of the family, was one of the readers of the Carver scholarship essays each year. Her first job after college was as an editor, but more importantly, she knew the inestimable value of a college education. Thelma and her family went on to support many organizations and schools through the years to help young people thrive and achieve their goals. When we learned of Thelma’s passing in August 2019, we wanted to honor her memory and legacy, particularly her commitment to our students. This scholarship honors Thelma’s life and all that she gave to and made possible for Carver students through the years.
FULLER SCHOLARSHIP
The Fuller Scholarship is presented to Carver students ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. The Fuller Scholarship was created to honor Carver’s longtime Executive Director, Richard N. Fuller Sr., upon his retirement in 2004. Mr. Fuller served Carver students for 26 years. He was an educator, trusted community leader and strong advocate for Norwalk families. The City of Norwalk renamed Academy Street, where the Carver Community Center is located, Richard Fuller Way. Countless Carver alumni credit Mr. Fuller for giving them the example, inspiration and motivation to succeed in life.
WHITCOMB SCHOLARSHIP
The Whitcomb Scholarship ranges from $3,000 to $4,000, awarded to Carver students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement of a GPA of 3.3 or higher. The scholarship was established in 2018, in honor of Richard (Dick) Whitcomb, who is one of the most influential individuals in the life and growth of the Carver community since its founding in 1938. Mr. Whitcomb was involved in Carver since the 1960’s, when he’d bring St. Luke’s School students to volunteer at the Carver Community Center. Novelette Peterkin joined the Carver community in 2004. She met Dick in 2006, and by 2008 they set out on the bold journey to expand Carver’s after school and summer programs to almost every school in Norwalk. Dick served on the Carver board for many years and today serves as an ex officio Advisor to the board. Dick is also Headmaster Emeritus, St. Luke’s School. Dick was given Carver’s Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion of Carver’s 75th anniversary.
DARIEN ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP
This $4,000 award was established in 2018, and is presented to a graduating senior who will be attending Norwalk Community College. This student is highly engaged in the Carver community, demonstrates grit and determination, and demonstrates an exemplary willingness to succeed. The second recipient of the Darien Rotary Scholarship receives a $1,000 scholarship for the 2nd year of college.
DEANDRE PARKS Scholarship
This $5,000 award is given the student with the highest GPA. It was established to honor the profound contributions of this former Carver board member. Mr. Parks was one of the founders of Carver’s annual Child of America Gala, Carver’s largest event that consistently brings national prestige to our local organization. Mr. Parks remains a major Carver donor and champion even after all these years.
ATHENA SCHOLARSHIP
An anonymous donor established the Athena Scholarship in 2017 with a pledge of $40,000 over four years to a Carver student who demonstrates a diligent work ethic, resilience in the face of challenges, and a strong commitment to graduate from a four-year college within four years. This year, that same donor added three four-year $20,000 scholarships to this program on the same terms. Scholarship awardees must maintain strong academic performance and provide yearly updates to receive the yearly scholarship renewal.
Joseph William Scott III Scholarship Fund
The Joseph William Scott III Scholarship Fund honors the celebrated life “Joe Joe”. This new Carver scholarship fund established by Joe Joe’s family and close friends provides a $1,000 college scholarship to an African American male graduating Carver senior, and a $300 award to enable a Carver after-school student to attend the annual Spring College Tour.