Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Community School Program (CSP)?

Community Schools Programs (CSPs) are independent 501(c)3s that partner with A Better Chance National and allow Scholars to live away from home in a suburban community while attending a high-performing public school.

Where do the scholars come from?

Darien’s scholars hail from urban areas including the New York metro area, as well as Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts . The common thread is that they are all in search of a high caliber high school experience that will prepare them for entrance into selective colleges and for taking leadership positions in society.

Where do scholars live and who looks after them?

The scholars live in a house on Tokeneke Road in Darien within walking distance to town. The students live with the Resident Directors who supervise daily life in the house while creating a warm and caring atmosphere. Having a family live with the students creates a home-like experience. The students do their own laundry and share responsibilities for housekeeping duties on a rotating basis.

What support is there for the scholars during their time at ABC?

In addition to the live-in Resident Directors there are academic tutors who support the students four evenings per week. Community volunteers assist with driving students to and from after school activities. As a freshman, each scholar is paired with a host family for their four years. The students spend one weekend a month with their “host families” and forge close relationships. The connection between the scholars and the wider Darien community is an important component in the A Better Chance experience, and host families are a critical link in the chain.

What enrichment activities are included?

Scholars are encouraged to participate in clubs and sports at Darien High School and to volunteer in the community. Through the years, they have actively participated in sports (several being elected Captains of their respective sport), Theater 308, dance, orchestra and student government, including student body Presidents. Volunteering at Person-to-Person, the Darien Nature Center, and the YWCA of Darien-Norwalk have been popular community activities.Board members will take scholars on college visits, and seniors are provided with in-depth assistance with the college application process. Scholars have opportunities to attend activities and events locally and in New York City, as well as with their host families. In addition, rising juniors have the opportunity to participate in a summer Experiment In International Living program

Where do your scholars go to college?

Our students have attended Wesleyan (4), Columbia University (4), Cornell University (3), George Washington University (3), University of Pennsylvania (3), Amherst College,(2), Barnard College (2), Boston College (2), Loyola Marymount (2), New York University (2), Northwestern University (2), Syracuse University (2), Temple University (2), Tulane University (1), Tufts University (2), Yale University (2), City University of New York, Dartmouth College, Howard University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Manhattan College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Providence College, Union College, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Virginia.

How do you measure the success of the program?

100% of ABC in Darien scholars attend college, and the college graduation rate for A Better Chance in Darien Scholars is 98%. Further, many alumnae have continued on to graduate school for law, architecture, public administration, sociology and education. They are teachers, college professors, congressional aides, social workers, marketing professionals, clinical therapists, restaurant owners, Ph.D. candidates, medical students and lawyers. They are dedicated leaders in their communities.

How did ABC in Darien get started?

In 1963 the national A Better Chance (ABC) organization was launched with the goal of increasing the number of minority youth able to take on leadership roles in American society through improved educational opportunities. In its early years, talented students of color were offered scholarships to attend boarding schools. In the ensuing years, the national organization broadened its program to include public high schools and independent day schools. Today, over 300 schools nationwide have ABC scholars in attendance. Of those 300+ schools, only 20 are community (public) high schools — 10 of which are scattered around Connecticut. A Community School Program (CSP) must be of a highly competitive caliber to be accepted into the ABC program. The A Better Chance in Darien program was launched in 1981. Learn more here.

What is the relationship with ABC National?

The national organization is a source for applications as well as general guidance. We do not receive funds from the national organization. We have a signed Charter with the national organization that outlines our responsibilities to each other, including insurance coverage and reporting requirements.

How is ABC in Darien funded?

ABC in Darien is entirely funded by our generous community of private donors, community events and raffles, and some corporate and foundation grants. Our annual fundraising efforts are needed to cover all household maintenance, food, utilities, home insurance and support staff. Please donate here.