For over 20 years, A Better Chance of Westport has provided academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color the opportunity for an education at Staples High School.
Several dozen teenagers have seized that chance. They’ve taken full advantage of the school’s many academic, arts, athletic and other offerings.
They’ve also taken part in enrichment activities throughout town, and nearby. Westport has opened its arms to the ABC scholars, who come from New York City and New Jersey. They’ve rewarded us with their hard work, inspiring personalities, and post-college successes.
This year, those scholars have an even better chance of achieving their dreams.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Westport Young Woman’s League — and the creativity and passion of executive directors of student life Daniele Dickerson and Dale Mauldin — there is a renewed focus on the 7 teenagers’ intellectual, artistic and cultural exposure and enrichment.
Through visits to museums, restaurants and Wakeman Town Farm, plus experiences like kayaking, in Westport, New York and beyond, the husband-and-wife directors hope to fill the scholars’ lives with the kinds of experiences many Westport youths take for granted.
ABC has always had a budget for outings and events. But, Dickerson says, the WYWL grant “completely changed the scope of our activities. Using the muscle of trying new things can be life-changing. We’re super grateful.”
Kayaking on the Saugatuck River was one of the first activities this year. Most of the scholars had never done anything like that. The Sea Kayak Connecticut guides were “knowledgeable and great,” Dickerson says. “The kids had so much fun — and learned a lot.”
Everyone onto the water!
Hungry Pot — the Korean BBQ restaurant — welcomed the scholars recently. In addition to a tasty meal, they learned about culture.
A discussion about K-pop music elicited many different perspectives. “It was really interesting,” Dickerson says. “They were so smart and insightful.”
The directors plan to introduce the scholars to many more cuisines and cultures, via food.
“Restaurants are the gateway to being global citizens,” Dickerson says. “It’s such a joy to see these young people try something for the first time. They picked out different meats, sides and sauces, and did the grilling.”
Similarly, Wakeman Town Farm offered a “farm to table” cooking class.
The scholars toured the farm, learned how the food they would eat is grown, met the animals, had fun — and were introduced to “a life skill,” Dickerson says.
“Farm to Table” day at Wakeman Town Farm.
A trip to the HBCU Classic — the Howard University vs. Morehouse College football game at MetLife Stadium, complete with a battle of the bands — mesmerized the young men.
The HBCU Classic, at MetLife Stadium.
The scholars prepared for the new school year with a book club. During the summer they read “Ready Player One,” a science fiction novel involving technology, simulation and gaming.
Over dinner, the teens discussed it with ABC board members.
There will be more book club meetings ahead.
Clean plates and open minds, at the Glendarcy House Book Club meeting.
As the weather cools, the excursions will move indoors. Trips to New York museums, art classes and other experiences are planned for the fall and winter.
“So many people are scared of what they don’t know, or of meeting different people,” Dickerson says.
“We want to expose the scholars to as many experiences and people as we can.”
The Westport Young Woman’s League grant is helping them do that. So are Dickerson and Mauldin’s creativity at finding those experiences and people, and connecting the scholars with them.
It’s all part of the many important life experiences 7 great young men are enjoying, through A Better Chance of Westport.
And through the generosity, and genuine interest, of many others in town too.
(To learn more about A Better Chance of Westport — including how to volunteer and donate — click here.)
