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 over a decade, SHU’s chapter of the nonprofit, tuition-free organization has served kindergarten through eighth 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. By providing these opportunities, HSHU inspires a joy of learning, prepares students for high school and provides strong bridges to post-secondary success.
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. The HSHU program is now one of the largest K-8 Horizons programs in the nation.
Ashley Freeman, executive director of HSHU, 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.”
Freeman said the university is ready to take on the additional responsibilities. “This is a significant commitment and we recognize the need for increased resources to make this vision a reality,” she said. “But we’re ready and we’re here to work together with our partners, our supporters and all of you to meet these needs.”
The Horizons team at SHU is excited to merge with the Notre Dame program. “Your presence brings us great excitement as we know that you make our community stronger,” Freeman told Notre Dame representatives. “We are better together and look forward to our wonderful future ahead.”
Notre Dame Prep Principal Chris Cipriano is also excited about the opportunities 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.”
