FCA Receives Grant to Support ASPIRE Program

NORWALK, CT — Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) received a $38,000 Youth Success grant from The Community Fund of Darien, to support the Agency’s ASPIRE after school program, which provides academic enrichment and career development programs to middle and high school students.

FCA’s ASPIRE program supports middle and high school students by promoting academic success and positive youth development.  Located at Norwalk Community College (NCC), as a part of FCA and NCC’s joint partnership, more than 80 students participate in the program each year. This year 100% of ASPIRE seniors graduated high school and are enrolled in post-secondary education or vocational training. 

“There are so many success stories from the youth in our ASPIRE program but there is more work to be done,” said Robert Cashel, FCA President & CEO. “With this grant, we can continue to guide students to reach their maximum potential and successfully transition to the next stage of their education." 

Currently, ASPIRE youth are participating in FCA’s full-day summer enrichment program. Middle school students are learning about the country’s five regions for the “Road Trip Across the USA” program theme and high school students are gaining hands-on experience with personal banking and managing non-emergency and emergency medical situations.

PHOTO: Carrie Bernier Executive Director, Community Fund of Darien (left) Robert Cashel, President & CEO Family & Children’s Agency (center) and Community Fund of Darien staff at grants award ceremony, July 14.