HORIZONS

BY Isaiah Bien Aime

In 1964, the New Canaan Country School Headmaster, George Stevens, had what was then considered to be a bold and prescient idea: That under-resourced children could be given a place where they felt welcomed; where they would find enriching and meaningful academic support and cultural experience; all in order to be given the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Stevens’ vision is now realized as Horizons, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with 65 chapters across the U.S., which has served thousands of underserved students through a long-term, authentic, deep engagement with students who are offered hands-on, project-based academic experiences. Among other programing designed to keep students involved from pre-K through high school, Horizon runs a 6-week summer program for middle school students, held on the campus of an independent school, college, or university, and then provides additional support to each student throughout the year.

I can testify that the long-term commitment Horizons makes in every child transforms the way each child sees themself and their future. I was born into a cycle of intergenerational poverty, and it was Horizons that made the difference for me.

My middle school summers at Horizons, quite simply, changed me. I was educated, enriched, enabled, supported and encouraged. I realized that education was the key to breaking the cycle, and I began to see a real future - with me in it! Then, in high school, Horizons provided me with many hours of personal AP Calculus tutoring and SAT tutoring that were essential to my progress. And that’s not to mention Horizon programs like the Vanilla Chai teas we enjoyed or the college tours I never would have otherwise been able to go on.

Now, as a Boston College graduate - the first college graduate in my family - and an entrepreneur, I can proclaim that the seeds of my future were delicately planted, cultivated and allowed to blossom with Horizons’ support. With Horizons, kids are inspired to explore reading, math, science, music, theatre, art, swimming, and other activities. Horizons helps kids cultivate creativity and leadership and develop life skills like commitment, persistence, and the desire to contribute to their community. Horizons students embrace a more expansive view of what’s possible. To do a small part of giving back for Horizons did for me, I now serve on the Board of the Horizons - Norwalk Community College chapter, formed in 2013 and which presently serves 120 children in pre-K through 8th grade. Horizons gives our children the chance to feel at home in the nurturing and enriching atmosphere of Norwalk Community College’s beautiful campus. They get to experience NCC’s best-in-class computer and electrical engineering labs, fine arts and design studios, television studios, culinary arts kitchens and modern classrooms. As important, they get to feel like they belong in this environment, and that one day they can go to college too.

Horizons at NCC utilizes a best practices model provided by Horizons National. Horizons has a strong focus on social and emotional and our entire staff are trained in Yale’s ’RULER’ academic approach; all aimed at combating the academic gap, the opportunity gap, and, acutely, the absence of learning opportunities during summer months for under-resourced children, known as the ‘summer slide’. Our summer program mornings provide students with the opportunity to strengthen core academic skills and experience project based learning in classes with a 4:1 student teacher ratio. Additionally, students have access to reading and math specialists with one on one attention for those who need it most. Our summer program afternoons are focused on stimulating creativity. Students participate in swimming, art, music, dance, martial arts, cooking, outdoor games, yoga, and Friday field trips. We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as transportation to and from the program. There’s no charge. This Fall, Horizons at NCC has launched a program for high schoolers, where students are matched with mentors for the entire four years of high school. Mentors will offer guidance and help their students navigate the academic and social journey of high school and the requirements of college prep and admissions.

Horizons at NCC is fulfilling George Steven’s vision that all children should have the opportunity to realize their full potential, and the New Canaan Country School-born mission of providing enriching opportunities, inspiring dreams, and building brighter futures for under-resourced children in the local area. The Horizons combination of education, culture and support is the great equalizer....But we need help to keep it going and keep it growing. We need volunteers, including to serve as mentors in the new high school program. And we need financial support, including participation in our first-ever Horizons-NCC Annual Golf Outing on October 14, 2021, at the New Canaan Country Club.