The Catholic Schools Initiative
The Catholic Schools Initiative is an effort of the Catholic Schools Office where individuals can invest in Catholic schools in the diocese collectively, thus maximizing the impact of their generosity.
By harnessing the collective philanthropic spirit of the greater Central Massachusetts community of alumni, friends and entrepreneurs, the Catholic Schools Office can assist more families in making a Catholic school education a reality for their children, expand the exciting possibilities the latest technology can bring to the classroom experience, create cutting-edge programs for teachers as they grow professionally, and so much more. Individuals are also able to invest in the on-going educational efforts of individual schools as well.
Below is a description of the following giving interest categories where benefactors may choose to make a gift:
- Tuition Assistance: In 2008 alone, a total of $2,953,691 was needed by families to send their children to Catholic Schools. The Catholic Schools Office that year was able to meet one third of that need. A gift designated to tuition assistance will help better assist families throughout the diocese who want to send their child to a Catholic Schools. Monies designated to this area will be invested in an endowment, helping the Catholic Schools Office to provide assistance to families from the interest generated form the endowment.
- Technology: Technology is a powerful tool to unlock new channels of learning for students. In a rapidly changing world, it is vital to the students’ academic success that teachers have access to the latest technology to equip students to thrive professionally and socially. A gift designated to technology will be invested in the technology endowment, which offers annual professional development in technology to teachers as well as provides funding in the form of competitive grant awards to enhance the schools’ technology capacity.
- Special Projects: Each year the Catholic Schools Office provides opportunities for professional development and growth for teachers, school improvement efforts, student enrichment programs and the expansion of early education programs. Gifts designated to special projects will be used for professional workshops and resources that the Catholic Schools Office provides to schools throughout the school year.
- Individual Schools: Individuals may designate a gift to a specific school of their choosing. Monies designated to an individual school will be used at the school’s discretion.
For additional information on the Catholic Schools Initiative or to learn additional ways you can impact the life of a child, a classroom, or a school, please contact the Catholic Schools Office at 508-929-4317 or email mkramek@worcesterdiocese.org.