Horizons at Sacred Heart University merges with Horizons Notre Dame prep

Nonprofit, tuition-free enrichment program now one of largest in the country

The SHU Horizons program announced the integration of the Horizons Notre Dame program at a ceremony held at the West Building on Sacred Heart University’s West Campus in Fairfield, on Monday, Nov.,11. Photo courtesy of Mark F. Conrad

FAIRFIELD —Horizons Sacred Heart University (HSHU) recently merged with Horizons Notre Dame, enabling the HSHU program to provide academic support and life skills to more than 300 Bridgeport students.

For more than a decade, SHU’s chapter of the nonprofit, tuition-free organization has served K-8^th grade Bridgeport students, providing year-round support while working to advance educational equity. HSHU has grown over the years and now offers students a six-week summer program, after school club, mentorship, tutoring, recreational activities and community events.

With SHU’s purchase of Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University earlier this year, it made sense for the two enrichment programs to join forces, according to school press release. The HSHU program is now one of the largest K-8 Horizons programs in the nation.

Ashley Freeman, HSHU executive director, announced the merger at a recent celebratory event. “Through the integration of Horizons Notre Dame students into the Horizons Sacred Heart program, we’re doubling our capacity to serve Bridgeport students,” she said at SHU’s West Campus in front of University and Notre Dame faculty, staff and Horizons families. “This integration means that more young people in our community will have greater access to the resources, support and opportunities they deserve. We are thrilled to welcome the Horizons Notre Dame students and families into our growing Horizons community.”

The University is ready to take on the additional responsibilities, Freeman said.

“This is a significant commitment, and we recognize the need for increased resources to make this vision a reality,” she added. “But we’re ready, and we’re here to work together with our partners, our supporters and all of you to meet these needs.”

Notre Dame Prep Principal Chris Cipriano is looking forward to the pportunities the merger affords.

“I am extremely grateful to SHU for its willingness to welcome our Horizons at Notre Dame family,” Cipriano said. “It’s wonderful to know that these same students will now be welcomed and supported by the Horizons at SHU community. I look forward to seeing all that is accomplished in the coming years.”