Our Mission
Carver’s mission is to equip all learners for global competitiveness by leading strategic partnerships with schools and communities that advance excellence and growth opportunities.
Our Vision
Carver envisions a world where every learner has equitable access to excellent educational opportunities that unlock their full potential. We aim to empower all students with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to thrive as globally competent leaders and citizens through strategic partnerships that unite schools, communities, and families. Our vision is for vibrant learning communities where individualized growth occurs with a deep appreciation for each person's inherent dignity and worth. By fostering collaborative environments of academic excellence, personal development, and mutual respect, we will ignite the boundless promise within each learner to create a more just and prosperous world for all.
Our Approach
When the highest learning opportunities are equitably accessible, our students’ highest potential is unbounded. Carver combines a set of key partnerships between school districts and their highly skilled educators, community organizations and parents to deliver after-school, summer, and community programs that consistently demonstrate striking results. Carver serves more than 2,300 students before and after school and during the summer, operating in 17 K-12 Norwalk Public Schools (NPS), Side By Side Charter School, the Carver Community Center, and the Classical Studies Magnet Academy in Bridgeport. Carver and NPS have a longstanding, symbiotic relationship focused on supporting achievement for all Norwalk students. Carver is a part of the campus environment for almost all NPS schools, providing support, enrichment, and resources to address critical issues and enhance learning opportunities. Goals include individualized academic support and remediation and smooth grade-level transitions.
Our Values
Equity
Equal is not equitable. Carver provides the resources that help our students thrive. Since our founding in 1938, we are a community that believes all children and youth are defined by their own strengths, abilities, and inherent value. We believe all children and youth are entitled to respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security. We work to expand opportunities wherever children live and learn, with respect for every child’s needs and identities--including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, age, native language, and faith. We recognize that access to opportunity is not equal; our initiatives work to bridge gaps across many of the interwoven systemic inequities that exist in our society--especially for historically marginalized communities. We also recognize that this is an ongoing process that will require intentional thought, education, and action.
Integrity
We are trustworthy. We are reliable, authentic, and loyal. We do what we say we will do. We welcome accountability and conduct our business with honesty and transparency.
Community
We are committed to a positive environment in which everyone may experience a sense of belonging and worth. We honor relationships and take responsibility for fostering trust, respect, and goodwill. We share stories about our heritage, calling, and vulnerabilities.
Diversity & Inclusion
We honor the intrinsic dignity, autonomy, and worth of each person. We treat others the way we would want to be treated. We are considerate of each other's feelings, values, and points of view. We actively seek and leverage the unique contributions of people across all dimensions of difference.
Excellence
We are committed to pursuing the highest possible standards at every level of the organization. We strive to become the benchmark through innovation and initiative. We are committed to always putting forth our personal and professional best.
Commitment
All our partners recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite societal and economic challenges, we remain firm in our commitment to creating a community in which all members can participate fully. To be true to our founders, our students, and alumni, and to our namesake, George Washington Carver requires nothing less.
