Horizons at SHU Receives Nearly $80K in Grants
Funding will support programs that advance educational equity for Bridgeport students
Horizons at Sacred Heart University (HSHU) has received almost $80,000 in grants. The nonprofit received $50,000 from the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), $19,950 from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF) and $10,000 from the Laura J. Niles Foundation
HSHU works to advance educational equity by building long-term partnerships with families, communities and schools in Bridgeport to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy in learning. HSHU offers innovative year-round programming that consists of two powerful program components: immersive summer programming that runs from June to August and supplemental school year programming that runs from October to June. Through these powerful components, HSHU provides community, connection and a wide array of services to children and their families throughout the year. These services prepare HSHU elementary and middle school students to be successful in high school and beyond.
Ashley Nechaev, executive director of HSHU, said she is excited to continue to develop strong relationships with foundations like IICF, FCCF and Laura J. Niles. “These organizations are great partners that enable us to offer high-quality programming.”
The grant provided by IICF will expand summer staffing allowing HSHU to add more highly qualified teachers and social workers to support students and accelerate summer learning. “We’ve established a great connection with IICF, they are true partners in this work,” Nechaev said.
FCCF grant funding will support the immersive summer program. “Representatives from FCCF visit HSHU programming and help us set goals. Their support is incredibly meaningful,” Nechaev said adding that these partnerships have been key to the program’s success.
The grant funding provided by the Laura J. Niles Foundation will support programming costs for both the immersive summer program and the supplemental school year program. “There has been no shortage of support from the foundation, and we are so grateful for their contribution,” said Nechaev.
“Grants like these are essential. We’re so thankful for the ongoing generosity of IICF, FCCF and the Laura J. Niles Foundation. We are also thankful for the generosity shown by SHU, which continues to welcome the HSHU community on campus and is a thoughtful collaborator in our work,” Nechaev said.
Pictured, from left, are Elizabeth Myatt (The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation), Ashley Nechaev (SHU Horizons) , Amanda Baez (SHU Horizons) and Jeffrey Rubin (The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation).