Through Avenue Swim Club, Fuse Project partnered with the City of Mobile Swim Association and USA Swimming to provide free swim lessons and water safety instruction to approximately 150–200 Florence Howard Elementary students this spring. The program helps children build confidence, overcome fears, develop life-saving skills, and gain access to opportunities that promote lifelong safety and success.
Read MoreThroughout Spring 2026, Fuse Project recognized educators across Florence Howard Elementary, Calloway-Smith Middle School, and Pathway K-5 through quarterly gift card awards, appreciation meals, and special faculty events. By investing in teacher morale and recognition, Fuse Project helps support the educators whose dedication plays a critical role in student success and positive school culture.
Read MoreFrom Senior Bowl school visits and community celebrations to athletic support, toy drives, and local partnerships, Fuse Project remained actively engaged throughout the community during the first half of 2026. These collaborations helped create meaningful opportunities, strengthen relationships, and support children and families both inside and outside the classroom.
Read MoreThis spring, students across Fuse Project’s Avenue partner schools participated in enriching field trips, live theater experiences, career exploration activities, STEM learning opportunities, and literacy initiatives designed to expand learning beyond the classroom. Through community partnerships and hands-on experiences, Fuse Project continues working to close opportunity gaps and expose students to new possibilities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and future success.
Read MoreThrough quarterly celebrations, achievement parties, and the Florence Howard Elementary School Store, Fuse Project recognized hundreds of students across Avenue schools this spring for attendance, academic growth, positive behavior, and hard work. These student incentive programs help create a culture where effort matters, encouraging students to stay engaged, motivated, and proud of their progress.
Read MoreThrough Fuse Project’s After-School Art program at Calloway-Smith Middle School, students explored creativity, self-expression, and collaboration through hands-on art projects led by local mural artist De’Anthony Dulaney (“Mr. D”). The program provided a meaningful after-school outlet where students built confidence, worked through challenges, and discovered the power of art as a form of connection and personal growth.
Read MoreThrough Fuse Project’s ABC Academic Support Program, students at Florence Howard Elementary participated in monthly extracurricular clubs focused on cooking, art, gardening, movement, theater, and sports during the Spring 2026 semester. These hands-on enrichment opportunities helped students build confidence, creativity, healthy habits, and meaningful connections while learning beyond the classroom.
Read MoreThis fall, Fuse Project supported Pathway K–5 with a joyful awards celebration recognizing student growth in iReady, behavior, and attendance, made even more meaningful by the encouragement of dedicated faculty and volunteers. These moments of recognition helped build confidence, reinforce positive habits, and celebrate the hard work students are putting into their academic and personal growth.
Read MoreThe Avenue Swim Club brings vital, high-quality water safety and swim instruction to Florence Howard Elementary students through a three-session program delivered in partnership with CMSA and USA Swimming’s Community Impact Program. By removing barriers to access and providing consistent, skill-building lessons, Fuse Project is helping children in the Avenue community gain confidence, lifesaving abilities, and new opportunities to thrive.
Read MoreThis fall, students at Florence Howard Elementary participated in a wide range of engaging clubs, field trips, and family events through Fuse Project’s Academic Support program, each designed to spark creativity, confidence, and connection. These experiences not only supported academic growth but gave students opportunities to explore new interests, build practical skills, and feel celebrated for their hard work.
Read MoreFuse Project kicked off the school year by celebrating Avenue educators with thoughtful back-to-school appreciation events, from a warm Breakfast Gumbo gathering at Pathway K–5 to team-building outings at Dave & Buster’s for teachers at Florence Howard and Calloway-Smith. These efforts reflect our commitment to supporting and uplifting teachers, whose morale, collaboration, and well-being directly impact the success of students in the Avenue community.
Read MoreSPARK Summer at Calloway-Smith Middle School gave students an unforgettable mix of learning, leadership, and hands-on fun through Math Camp, a field trip, and community partnerships. With support from dedicated teachers, volunteers, and sponsors, students built confidence, developed new skills, and ended the summer inspired to keep reaching higher.
Read MoreSPARK Summer at Florence Howard Elementary School was filled with learning, creativity, and celebration as students explored art, science, gardening, cooking, and more through hands-on lessons and community partnerships. Thanks to dedicated teachers, volunteers, and sponsors, more than 130 students grew academically, built confidence, and ended the summer inspired to keep learning long after camp ended.
Read MoreFuse Project’s continued partnership with Mobile Arts Council and Amp Up Arts is expanding access to meaningful arts education for students in the Avenue community. Recent highlights include a discussion on Amplifying the Arts podcast about Strengthening Partnerships for Arts Education and our teaching artist Cherrelle Smith and Development Director Mary Frances Clarke being honored at the 20th Annual Arty Awards for their outstanding impact on arts and education.
Read MoreFuse Project’s spring 2025 Academic Support Program wrapped up the school year with heartfelt teacher appreciation efforts and engaging student incentives across our Avenue partner schools. From celebratory brunches and retirement tributes to academic rewards and end-of-year parties, every gesture reinforced our commitment to recognizing growth, fostering motivation, and building strong school communities.
Read MoreFuse Project honored Black History this year through a season of meaningful engagement, including community service on MLK Day, student art inspired by Black artists, cultural experiences like The Princess and the Frog, and a sponsored trip to Selma for the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to celebrating legacy, empowering youth, and building a stronger, more connected community.
Read MoreDuring the 2025 Senior Bowl Community Day, future NFL players visited Florence Howard Elementary and Calloway-Smith Middle School to connect with students through classroom visits, Q&As, and personal stories that emphasized the value of education, resilience, and goal-setting. Made possible through a continued partnership with the Reese’s Senior Bowl, this inspiring day highlighted the power of community, mentorship, and meaningful exposure for children in Mobile’s Avenue neighborhood.
Read MoreEighth graders at Calloway-Smith Middle School participated in Fuse Project’s Career Day—an event designed to expand their understanding of career possibilities through real-life stories from diverse local professionals. The experience gave students preparing to enter high school valuable insight, encouragement, and a glimpse of what’s achievable with persistence and support.
Read MoreAs part of our ABC Academic Support Program, Fuse Project sponsored ten Calloway-Smith students to attend the 4th Annual Advocates for Girls “Confidently Resilient” Empowerment Conference. This inspiring day of wellness workshops, career exploration, and creative activities helped young girls build confidence, embrace their identities, and strengthen their resilience.
Read MoreFuse Project recently opened a school store at Florence Howard Elementary School to reward students for their academic growth and achievements, with over 200 students recognized for their performance on the mid-year iReady diagnostic. Thanks to the support of community partners like Bay City Fitness, HUB International, and UMS-Wright families, the store will continue motivating students to strive for excellence throughout the year.
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