Fairfield University teams up with City of Bridgeport schools for Bridgeport's Brightest Program | Press Releases

Fairfield University in conjunction with the Bridgeport Public Schools will reward city students for their academic performance in the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) with the Bridgeport's Brightest Program. The program was announced at a news conference on Friday night.

Image: Paul Fitzgerald "As part of our Jesuit mission, we are always looking to encourage academic excellence not only with our student body, but within our surrounding communities," said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Vice President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.. "With this program, Fairfield University hopes to instill a lifelong love for learning and academic achievement within all students in the Bridgeport school system."

"I would like to thank Fairfield University for partnering with us to showcase the shining stars of the Bridgeport Public Schools," Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools Dr. John J. Ramos said. "When a community comes together to support its scholars, it can be sure to 'Expect Great Things' from them in the future. I look forward to seeing how our program encourages our scholars and am eager to watch them as they continue to reach for the sky.

The Bridgeport's Brightest Program is a partnership between the Bridgeport Board of Education and Fairfield University. The program is an effort to encourage and reward high achievement in the two state tests as well as overall academic achievement by the individual schools. The intent of the program is to recognize the approximately 1,500 Bridgeport public school students who are CMT and CAPT scholars.

These scholars, who range from elementary to high school age, will be honored during the Fairfield University-Rider University men's basketball game on January 30. During halftime of the contest, Fairfield University will recognize these students and invite students who achieved excellence onto the court. And, the individual school that had the greatest percentage of increase in overall CMT scores will also be honored.

The program will continue beyond the January 30 celebration, as students who show an honor roll report card at the Arena at Harbor Yard Box Office will receive free admission to either the February 9, 13, or 26th games.

For information regarding the Bridgeport's Brightest program, please contact Roy Brown, Fairfield University Assistant Director of Athletics at (203) 254-4000 ext. 3457.