Fairfield University, deeply committed to community engagement, demonstrates its dedication through impactful partnerships. A prime example of these successful Fairfield partners is the Students and Teachers Empowerment Partnership (STEP). This initiative, a collaboration between Fairfield University’s Center for Social Impact, the School of Education and Human Development, and Cesar Batalla Elementary School in Bridgeport, was established in 2011 with the primary aim of enhancing literacy outcomes for students from kindergarten through third grade. Recognizing the broader needs of the school community, this Fairfield partners program has expanded significantly.
The STEP partnership now provides meaningful learning and engagement opportunities for nearly 200 Fairfield University students annually. These Fairfield partners contribute across all grade levels within Cesar Batalla Elementary, offering crucial support to students and educators alike. Beyond student involvement, the partnership furnishes valuable professional development opportunities for professionals at both Fairfield University and Cesar Batalla School, fostering a collaborative environment of growth.
The ongoing initiatives of this successful Fairfield partners program are carefully developed and monitored by a dedicated leadership team. This team, composed of Cesar Batalla teachers and administrators alongside Fairfield University faculty and staff, meets monthly to ensure the partnership remains effective and aligned with its goals. The significant efforts of this committed group and the positive impact on both the school and university communities were recognized in 2013 when the partnership received an “Excellence” award from the New England Board of Higher Education.
The range of Partnership Activities undertaken by these Fairfield partners is diverse and impactful, including:
- Community-engaged learning courses where Fairfield undergraduate students tutor Cesar Batalla students in grades K-8, focusing on literacy development.
- Tutoring for at-risk middle school students, delivered by Fairfield University students through the Students Helping Students Club, further extending the reach of Fairfield partners.
- Enriching field trips to Fairfield University for Cesar Batalla students, offering participation in read-aloud sessions, athletic and cultural events, and guided campus tours, broadening horizons and inspiring young learners through Fairfield partners’ outreach.
- Valuable after-school mentorship programs, providing sustained support and guidance from Fairfield partners.
- Ongoing teacher professional development programming, strengthening the skills and capacity of educators within the Cesar Batalla school community thanks to Fairfield partners’ commitment.
To further amplify its activities and broaden its impact, STEP, as a leading example of Fairfield partners in action, actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with individuals and groups from the communities it serves, inviting wider participation and reinforcing the power of partnership.
