Fairfield University, Fairfield Public Schools Complete 1st Year Of Student-Athlete Partnership

FAIRFIELD, CT — About 500 Fairfield University student-athletes spent the 2025-26 school year volunteering in Fairfield Public Schools as part of a formal partnership between the university's athletics department and the school district.

The partnership, launched before the 2025-26 academic year, connected NCAA Division I student-athletes with elementary school students through classroom activities, school events and community programs.

Student-athletes participated in classroom reading programs, STEM nights, physical education classes and other schoolwide activities throughout the district.

At Burr Elementary School, student-athletes assisted with physical education classes, participated in the Jump Rope for Heart pep rally and took part in STEM Night. At Mill Hill Elementary School, members of the Fairfield University men's basketball team participated in a yearlong pen pal program and visited classrooms.

Men's and women's soccer student-athletes volunteered at Riverfield Elementary School, making weekly classroom visits and participating in fitness programs. Stratfield Elementary School hosted basketball skills sessions, literacy events and talks by student-athletes focused on perseverance and goal setting.

The partnership also included PTA Nights at Fairfield University basketball games for students and their families.

"This partnership reflects the very best of Fairfield's mission as a modern, Jesuit Catholic University—bringing our students into the community to lead, to serve, and to inspire," said Jenn Anderson, Fairfield University's vice president of marketing and communications.

Anderson added, "We have seen firsthand how these connections enrich not only the lives of the elementary students, but also our student-athletes, who are developing as leaders committed to making a meaningful impact."

Fairfield Superintendent of Schools Michael Testani said the district's students benefited from interactions with college student-athletes throughout the year.

"Throughout the year, our students benefited from meaningful interactions with outstanding collegiate student-athletes who served as mentors, role models, and positive influences in our schools," Testani said. "Whether supporting literacy initiatives, assisting in physical education classes, participating in STEM events, or simply building relationships with students, the student athletes demonstrated the power of service and community engagement. This partnership has enriched the educational experience of our students while strengthening the connection between our schools and Fairfield University. We are grateful for Fairfield University's commitment to our community and look forward to expanding these opportunities for students in the years ahead."

Paul Schlickman, Fairfield University's vice president for athletics, said the university plans to continue the program.

"We are thrilled with the success of our inaugural 'Stags Adopt a School Program,'" Schlickman said. "This is a mutually beneficial endeavor that affords meaningful growth opportunities for our student-athletes while serving as role models for the youth of our community. We are honored and proud to work alongside the administrators, teachers and students in the Fairfield Public Schools and look forward to our continued partnership."

University officials said participation varied among schools during the first year of the program. Both organizations said they plan to continue and expand the partnership during the next academic year.