Housing Authority Celebrates 39 Graduates

The following was submitted by Emily Byrne of the Housing Authority of New Haven.

Graduating high school seniors and their families who live in New Haven Housing Authority communities recently celebrated their accomplishments at a special graduation ceremony.

The 39 students were recognized by the housing authority’s Board of Commissioners and executive director last week. Each graduate received a certificate and a Kindle Fire HD.

Board Chairman Erik Clemons spoke to the graduates about the importance of finishing their secondary education and persistence through post-secondary endeavors.

“We are so proud of all our graduates — your hard work and grit helped you earn a high school degree but this is just one step on your educational journey and I hope that this is just one graduation of many to come,” he said.

Housing authority communities are home to over thirty percent of the children of the New Haven Public Schools. Last year, the authority launched Elm City Believes, a new youth initiative that supports students and families through meaningful partnerships with schools, educators, and community based organizations. 

Elm City Believes aims to leverage the public housing authority as a platform and portal to close opportunity and achievement gaps. Elm City Believes is made possible by its HUD-designated MTW (“Moving To Work”) status.

This year marks the third year of the housing authority’s high school graduation ceremony, which is part of Elm City Believes and the housing authority’s efforts to provide young people with academic and wraparound supports.

“Education provides the tools and skills needed to be successful but success is not earned in isolation,” Executive Director Karen DuBois-Walton said. ​“We know that parents and guardians, teachers and mentors, friends and community help launch our young people to the next phase of their lives and we will continue to support our youth along their journey.”