West Hartford, Conn. – The University of Hartford Magnet School, a pre-K-5 elementary school located on the University of Hartford campus, received a makeover thanks to the support of College for Every Student (CFES) and University of Hartford Department of Athletics.

More than 100 volunteers, from the magnet school and athletic teams at Hartford, spent their Saturday morning Spring cleaning at the elementary school. The community service day on April 9 was part of a concerted effort of all nine America East institutions to provide a Student Day of Service in partnership with elementary schools chosen for the CFES program.

CFES is a national non-profit organization committed to raising the academic aspirations and performance of underserved youth so that they can prepare for, gain access to, and succeed in college. The partnership between the America East Conference and CFES provides student-athlete mentors from each of the nine conference schools to a local elementary school. The student-athlete activities include tutoring sessions, joint community service projects and campus tours that often include watching a collegiate athletic event.

The University of Hartford's Day of Service event partnered the Hawks student-athletes with magnet school students in grades 3-5 to provide general cleanup to the school grounds. The students raked leaves, repainted play grounds and planted flowers throughout the grounds.