Roton Students Build “ERIC” as Sound Control Technologies Visits The Carver Innovators Challenge

There was a real sense of accomplishment at Roton Middle School this week as students in The Carver Innovators Challenge completed the build of their robot and welcomed special guests from one of our Innovators Challenge sponsors, Sound Control Technologies (SCT).

Joining the visit were Jody Neaderland, SCT Executive Vice-President, and her son, Jacob Neaderland, a Roton graduate now attending Purdue University. Jacob has a personal connection to robotics at Roton, having worked with Carver’s FIRST® LEGO® League competitions during his time at the school. Together, he and his mother were impressed by the advanced robotics opportunities now being offered to students through this exciting Carver initiative.

Their visit came at just the right moment. Roton students had just finished building their robot — a Level 2 Battle Rob named ERIC — and the pride on their faces said it all. For these students, ERIC represents far more than a completed machine. It reflects teamwork, persistence, creativity, and the thrill of seeing an idea come to life with their own hands.

The Carver Innovators Challenge is designed to connect students, educators, and corporate partners through hands-on learning in robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving. Over six weeks, students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, Roton Middle School, and Nathan Hale Middle School work alongside Carver educators, professional instructors, and industry volunteers in an immersive experience focused on engineering, strategy, collaboration, and leadership.

At Roton, that learning is already taking shape in powerful ways. After successfully building ERIC, students will now begin preparing for a series of challenges leading up to the Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase in April.

That showcase will take place at the National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) in Norwalk, one of the most exciting venues anywhere for young people to experience robot combat and applied engineering in action. NHRL is the world’s largest and most accessible robot combat organization, hosting high-energy matches in which hobbyist-built robots face off in a secure arena. For students, it offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world design, technology, and competition.

Programs like this help students develop practical STEM skills while also building confidence, resilience, and problem-solving ability. Just as important, visits from partners like SCT show students that professionals from the business community are paying attention, cheering them on, and investing in their success.

The Carver is deeply grateful to Sound Control Technologies for its support of The Carver Innovators Challenge and for making experiences like this possible. Seeing leaders like Jody and Jacob Neaderland spend time with students sends a powerful message: innovation matters, effort matters, and the next generation of builders and thinkers is worth believing in.

We look forward to cheering on these remarkable students as they continue to refine ERIC and prepare for the big event ahead.

Upcoming public events include:

Carver Innovators’ Chess Tournament
April 20 | 4:15–6:15 PM
The SoNo Collection

Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase
April 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

These events will celebrate student creativity, perseverance, and innovation while bringing the community together to recognize the power of STEM learning.

🚀 Thank You to Our Founding Sponsors of the Carver Innovators Challenge

The Carver is proud to recognize and thank our founding sponsors of the Carver Innovators Challenge — a bold new initiative designed to empower the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders.

We are deeply grateful to:

Conair
Terex
BMW of Darien
Sound Control Technologies

Their early leadership and commitment are helping bring this vision to life — creating hands-on opportunities for students to explore robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving in ways that build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills.

💡 Empowering the Next Generation

The Carver Innovators Challenge is an exciting Fairfield County initiative connecting students, educators, and corporate partners through immersive, high-impact learning experiences.

Over six weeks, K–8 students from Norwalk schools work alongside Carver educators, professional instructors, and corporate mentors to develop skills in:

• Engineering and robotics

• Strategic thinking through chess

• Collaboration and teamwork

• Leadership and problem-solving

Participating students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, Roton Middle School, and Nathan Hale Middle School will soon showcase their learning at two community-wide events:

♟️ Carver Innovators’ Chess Tournament

📅 April 20 | 4:15–6:15 PM
📍 The SoNo Collection

🤖 Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase

📅 April 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

These events celebrate student creativity, perseverance, and innovation — and demonstrate what’s possible when community and industry come together to invest in young people.

🌟 Join Our Sponsors — Build What’s Next

Our founding sponsors have set the tone — but this is just the beginning.

We invite additional companies and community partners to join this growing movement. Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to:

• Engage directly with students and future talent

• Support meaningful STEM and enrichment education

• Demonstrate leadership in community impact

• Align your brand with innovation, equity, and opportunity

👉 Go here to see the Sponsorship Opportunities]

Together, we are not just supporting a program — we are building a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders ready for a world of possibility.

Sponsor the Swing That Supports Students: The Carver Golf Classic Returns June 15

CHET Dream Big! Winners Announced — A Reminder for Carver Families to Save for the Future

The Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) has announced the winners of its 2025 Dream Big! Competition, celebrating the creativity, ambition, and future goals of students from across the state.

This year, nearly 3,200 Connecticut students in grades K–12 submitted essays, drawings, and videos sharing their dreams for the future. The competition awarded three grand prizes of $20,000, 24 first prizes of $5,000, and will award an additional 240 students with $500 prizes this spring. Ten Connecticut schools were also selected to receive $5,000 technology prizes to support classroom tools such as tablets, smartboards, and other electronics.

Among this year’s student winners were young people with inspiring goals in medicine, engineering, marine biology, therapy, fitness, the military, and mental health advocacy. One middle school winner wrote about raising money for war victims in Ukraine. An elementary school winner shared her dream of becoming a nurse so she can help people heal. A high school winner reflected on breaking barriers as a female football player and how the experience strengthened her confidence, discipline, and resilience.

The Dream Big! Competition is a powerful reminder that students’ dreams deserve encouragement — and practical support. That is exactly what CHET is designed to provide.

CHET, Connecticut’s 529 college savings plan, helps families save for future education expenses with important tax advantages. Funds can be used at accredited colleges and universities nationwide, as well as vocational and technical schools and some colleges abroad. Connecticut residents may also deduct contributions from state income taxes, up to $5,000 for an individual or up to $10,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Investment earnings are exempt from state and federal taxes when used for qualified educational expenses.

Since 2013, the Dream Big! Competition has awarded more than $5.5 million to Connecticut students. CHET itself has grown to more than $5.7 billion in assets and 183,000 accounts, with more than $3.5 billion already withdrawn to help students pay for higher education.

Carver families are encouraged to learn more about both the CHET college savings opportunity and the Dream Big! Competition. Even if the contest is not currently open, it is a wonderful program to keep in mind each year — and CHET remains a valuable way to begin planning now for a child’s future education.

For more information about the CHET Dream Big! Competition, visit chetdreambig.com.

Apply Now for Summer 2026 Jobs at The Carver’s Two Norwalk Summer Camps

The Carver is now accepting online applications for Summer 2026 camp positions. Individuals interested in being part of one of Norwalk’s most important summer learning experiences are encouraged to apply soon, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This summer, two longstanding Carver camps will operate together under one roof at the newly constructed Ruby Shaw Elementary School, 1 Meadow Street Ext., Norwalk, due to scheduled renovations at both the Carver Community Center and Concord Magnet School. While the location is new for this year, the leadership remains the same, with the same Camp Directors and Alternate Directors continuing to guide the programs. Summer 2026 will feature two separate camps under one roof, serving approximately 500 students total, with 250 students in each camp.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old by July 6, 2026, the first day of camp, to be considered for employment. All applicants must also be available for the full summer camp season, which runs Monday through Friday, July 6 through August 7. Available work shifts are 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Applications are being accepted now on a rolling basis. To ensure that your application is reviewed by hiring officials, it must be submitted by April 20. After that date, applications will only be considered if positions remain open.

In addition to pure fun, Carver’s summer camps are designed to provide meaningful academic, social-emotional, and developmental benefits for elementary and rising middle school students ages 5 to 13. Through engaging, hands-on STEAM and literacy experiences, the camps help reduce summer learning loss in reading and math while keeping students curious, active, and motivated for the school year ahead.

Beyond academics, the camps play an important role in supporting children’s confidence, communication, collaboration, and self-regulation. They also provide consistent meals, structured routines, and a safe, supervised environment during the summer months, when many working families face increased challenges related to childcare, work schedules, and access to enrichment opportunities.

For families, Carver Summer Camp offers trusted full-day programming that allows caregivers to continue working with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe, supported, and engaged. For students, it offers a summer filled with learning, friendships, discovery, and growth.

To apply for a Summer 2026 camp position, complete the online application here.

The Hours After School Are Not Empty Hours—They Are the Hours When a Life Can Tilt Toward Possibility

Proud moment. After a long day at work, a finished homework assignment brought home with pride means more than academic progress. It means relief for a parent, confidence for a child, and the knowledge that the hours after school are being used in ways that truly matter.

When the final bell rings, the school day may be over, but for many children and families, one of the most important parts of the day is just beginning.

Those afternoon hours are often overlooked. They can seem ordinary from a distance—just the stretch of time between dismissal and dinner, between the classroom and home. But for many young people, those are the hours when confidence is built or lost, curiosity is awakened or dulled, and the direction of a life can begin to shift.

At The Carver, we know that after-school is about far more than keeping students occupied. It is about creating a place where children are safe, seen, encouraged, and challenged. It is where homework becomes understanding, where hands-on activities spark discovery, where new interests begin to take shape, and where students find caring adults and positive peers who help them believe in themselves.

These are the hours when a student who struggled during the school day may suddenly shine. They are the hours when a quiet child finds a voice, when a new skill becomes a source of pride, and when possibility begins to feel real. They are also the hours when working families can breathe a little easier, knowing their children are in a nurturing environment that supports both learning and well-being.

The Carver’s after-school programs transform these often-unseen hours into something powerful: time filled with academic support, enrichment, wellness, friendship, and opportunity. Across our programs, students are not only receiving help for today—they are building habits, interests, confidence, and resilience that can shape tomorrow.

The hours after school are not empty hours. They are hours full of potential. They are hours when young people can discover what they enjoy, what they can do, and who they are becoming.

At The Carver, we are proud to stand in that critical space each day—helping ensure that the hours after school become hours of growth, belonging, and possibility.

Apply Now for the Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc. 2026 Scholarship

The Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc. is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program, offering $4,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Fairfield County, Connecticut. This annual opportunity is designed to support students as they take the next step toward college, community college, or technical school. Applications are being accepted through March 30, 2026.

Interested students may apply online here.

To be eligible, applicants must be graduating high school students who live in and/or attend high school in Fairfield County, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, plan to enroll in a 4-year college or university, community college, or technical school, and be able to demonstrate financial need. Required application materials include a school transcript, SAT/ACT score report, a brief essay responding to the topic provided in the application, two letters of recommendation, and a photo of the student applicant.

Questions about eligibility, technical issues, or the application process may be directed to the Greater Fairfield County Scholarship Committee at gfcfsecretary@gmail.com.

Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin Joins Regional Leaders for SOUL Fund Panel on Youth Career Pathways

Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin was honored to participate as a panelist at a recent SOUL Fund Member Engagement event in Stamford, joining regional nonprofit leaders for an inspiring conversation about expanding career pathways for young people.

Hosted by Susan Johnson, a member of the SOUL Fund Steering Committee, the gathering brought together members and guests of the SOUL Fund at First United Methodist Church in Stamford for an evening of community dialogue, fellowship, and shared commitment to opportunity for Fairfield County youth.

The panel discussion, moderated by Marie Rocha of the SOUL Fund Steering Committee, featured leaders working across the region to connect young people with meaningful career pathways. Panelists included Gwendolyn Brantley of ACCESS Educational Services, Pam Lewis of Connect Us, Inc., Dominique Moore of My Architecture Workshop, and Novelette Peterkin of Carver.

During the conversation, panelists shared insights on the importance of early exposure to career opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare young people for success in school, college, and the workforce. Novelette highlighted Carver’s longstanding commitment to helping students discover their potential through academic enrichment, STEAM learning, leadership development, and workforce readiness initiatives that reach students across Norwalk and Bridgeport.

The event was organized by the SOUL Fund, a community-led giving circle housed at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. Since its launch, the fund has grown to more than 110 members and is preparing to award $50,000 in grants this spring to Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in Fairfield County.

Carver is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation and to stand alongside other organizations working to expand opportunity for young people throughout the region.

Events like this remind us that when communities come together to invest in youth, we create pathways to brighter futures for everyone.

From Learning Time to Global Opportunity: The Carver Model

Carver’s approach demonstrates how strategic partnerships, expanded learning time, and data-driven programming can create a scalable pathway to student success.

Across the world, education leaders are asking an urgent question: How do we prepare young people to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy?

At Carver, we believe the answer begins with expanding opportunity for students beyond the traditional school day—and ensuring that the time students spend learning truly prepares them for the future.

High-performing education systems consistently share three common characteristics: strong academic foundations, meaningful learning time, and the development of the social and emotional skills required for leadership, innovation, and collaboration. These principles guide what we call The Carver Model.

The Carver Model illustrates how our programs work together to prepare students for long-term success.

Expanding Learning Time

Research shows that students benefit from additional opportunities to learn outside the traditional school schedule. Carver programs extend learning through tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment experiences that reinforce classroom instruction while building curiosity and confidence.

Strengthening STEM and Academic Proficiency

Strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, and science remain essential for success in college and careers. Carver students participate in programs that support academic growth while introducing hands-on STEM experiences that spark interest in future fields of study.

Developing Future-Ready Skills

In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, success requires more than academic knowledge alone. Students must also develop persistence, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Carver programs help cultivate these skills through collaborative projects, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

Opening Doors to College and Careers

By connecting students to internships, career exploration, and college exposure, Carver helps young people envision—and prepare for—their future. These opportunities ensure that students graduate ready to succeed in higher education, the workforce, and civic life.

Carver’s work is rooted in a simple idea: when students gain more time to learn, stronger academic skills, and the confidence to lead, they are prepared not only to graduate—but to compete and thrive in a global world.

Every day, through partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations, Carver is helping young people build that future.

And the pathway begins right here in our own community.

A Powerful Way to Support Norwalk’s Youth: Consider a Grant from Your Donor-Advised Fund

Carver was one of the inaugural honorees inducted into the Center for Nonprofit Excellence Hall of Fame in 2019. Fairfield County's Community Foundation, a consistent financial benefactor of Carver’s work, introduced its vision to strengthen, support, train, expand, and fortify the region's nonprofit community with the establishment of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

Members of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and Hall of Fame honorees celebrate the 10th anniversary of FCCF’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence held at the Westport Library. Center: Carver’s Novelette Peterkin standing next to (then) FCCF President and CEO, Juanita James.

Across the United States, more than $326 billion has already been set aside for charitable giving through donor-advised funds (DAFs). These funds—administered by organizations such as Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (a long-time Carver donor), Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, and National Philanthropic Trust—allow individuals and families to reserve money for charitable purposes and recommend grants to nonprofit organizations over time.

For many donors, a donor-advised fund is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support causes they care about.

If you are a donor-advised fund holder living or working in Lower Fairfield County, we invite you to consider recommending a grant to The Carver.

For more than eight decades, The Carver has partnered with Norwalk Public Schools and the broader community to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed. Today, Carver serves more than 3,000 students each year through academic support, STEAM enrichment, workforce development, college preparation, and wellness programming.

Every day, Carver students are building the foundation for successful futures—graduating high school, pursuing college and careers, and developing the leadership skills our community needs.

A grant from a donor-advised fund can help make that possible.

DAF grants support programs such as:

• After-school academic enrichment

• Workforce readiness and paid internships for high school students

• College preparation and mentoring

• STEAM learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity

Recommending a grant is simple. If you maintain a donor-advised fund, you can log into your sponsoring organization’s online portal and recommend a grant to The Carver. You can also visit Carver’s “Ways to Give” page, where our donor-advised fund DAF Direct widget allows you to quickly recommend a DAF grant to support Norwalk’s youth.

Your support helps ensure that Norwalk’s young people have access to the opportunities they deserve—and that our community continues to grow stronger for generations to come.

If you would like to learn more about Carver’s programs or discuss how a donor-advised fund grant can make an impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Together, we are investing in the future of Norwalk.