Horizons at Westminster Honored with Impact Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Recognition celebrates the program’s commitment to educational equity and long-term student success

Horizons at Westminster has been awarded the Impact Award in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, recognizing its outstanding commitment to creating equitable educational opportunities for Hartford students. The ImpaCT Award was presented by the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut in partnership with FOX61 on Wednesday, October 22.

Horizons at Westminster, an academic and enrichment program hosted at Westminster School, partners with Hartford Public Schools to engage students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in summer and year-round learning experiences. The program focuses on academic growth, social-emotional development, and joyful learning through hands-on STEM lessons, arts, swimming, and community engagement.

“Horizons at Westminster stands firm in our commitment that all students deserve access to a high-quality education, an enriching and joyful summer experience, and to belong to a community where they are valued and loved,” said Patrick Owens, Executive Director of Horizons at Westminster. “To win this award for our team’s incredible efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion was both exciting and affirming.”

The ImpaCT Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion celebrates organizations that demonstrate measurable progress in fostering inclusion and opportunity. Horizons at Westminster was selected for its collaborative model, which brings together Horizons students, Hartford educators, and Westminster volunteers to learn side by side – breaking down barriers, building empathy, and strengthening the school’s connection with the Hartford community.

Program Director Kelly Wosleger added, “This recognition celebrates the powerful community we’ve built and the inspiring work our teachers and students do together to make Horizons at Westminster an inclusive, compassionate, and joyful place.”

Since its founding in 2018, Horizons at Westminster has grown to serve over 150 students annually, with many returning year after year. Students show measurable academic gains in reading and math each summer and build lasting confidence and curiosity that carries into the school year.

“Horizons students are doing everything within this program – from building confidence in academics, to experiencing joy in tennis and swimming, to having access to healthy meals in the summer – it all exists here,” said Katie McKinney, Director of Development & Community Relations. “As the program grows, it is such an honor to receive this award in recognition for the impact we have had and will continue to build on in the years to come.”

For more information about Horizons at Westminster or to learn how to get involved, visit www.horizonsatwestminster.org or follow @HorizonsAtWestminster on social media