Horizons at SHU Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary and a New Grant

City of Bridgeport gives $270,000 towards the program’s next three years

Sacred Heart University’s Horizons chapter recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and a $270,000 grant from the city of Bridgeport.

Horizons at Sacred Heart University (HSHU) is a free, academic program supporting Bridgeport children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. HSHU does this by advancing educational equity by building long-term partnerships with families, communities and schools in Bridgeport to create experiences outside of school that inspire joy in learning. HSHU makes a nine-year commitment to each kindergarten student enrolled. Sacred Heart established its chapter in 2011, making this year its 10th anniversary. The first class HSHU enrolled are currently juniors in the Horizon Bridgeport High School Program. 

Horizons hosts an annual luncheon as a major fundraising event. One part of the event is the presentation of the Pioneer Award, which honors an active member of HSHU community. This year’s recipient was Frank Mori, who has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the program financially and by providing overall support.

“I am extremely humbled to accept this award,” Mori said. “I have always done what I can for Horizons at SHU because I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and have witnessed the profound impact the teachers have on the children from Bridgeport. I know that the students we serve are equipped to succeed in the classroom, college and careers thereafter because of the work and inspiration the dedicated staff provide them each summer and throughout the year. I am grateful for this award and hope that others watching today will be inspired to become more involved with Horizons at SHU, because I have gotten far more out of the program than what I have given,” he said.

Recently, HSHU was honored to receive a generous American Rescue Plan grant from the city of Bridgeport. This $270,000 federal grant will help fund HSHU through 2024. Specifically, the funds will support staffing costs including teachers, an academic coordinator, reading specialists and social workers. Additionally, the funds will cover the cost of teaching supplies including expanding the technology available to students and healthy food for both HSHU’s summer program and the community events included in the school year program.

HSHU Operations Manager Amanda Baez and Executive Director Ashley Nechaev

Visit the HSHU webpage to learn more.