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CHANGING YOUNG
LIVES
Endowment p rovides dramatic increases in aid to students
By Kamille Nixon Endowment funds from the "Today 's Students , Tomorrow's Leaders " capital camp aign , have enabled the Archdiocese to nearly double its grant awards to high school students and to increase its tuition assistance to elementary students by 25 percent compared to last year. A total of 385 high school students, an increase of 130, received grants this year over last and a total of 700 elementary students received assistance, also a "substantial increase" over last year, according to Paul Bergez, interim co-superintendent of schools.
More Back to School stories* p ictures PAGES 6 - 9 The endowment provided $372 ,000 in tuition assistance to Catholic school students, which reflects about one-third the total amount the Archdiocese is providing.
The average gran t to high school students was $1, 164, up from $685 last year. The average grant to elementary students increased to $360 per student. Elementary school numbers "are not as dramatic " Mr. Bergez said , because elementary school is not as expensive. Average high school tuition is $8,900, he said. Average elementary school tuition is $3,200 for the first child in a family. Some elementary school discounts are available to multi-child families. "What is particularly meaningful for us is th at we were able to provide assistance to 89 percent of eligible applicants " for elementary school grants this year, as comp ared to 70 percent last year, Mr. Bergez said. For the first time ever, 100 percent of eligible applicants for high school assistance received hel p. Eligibility for elementary tuition assistance is "completely need-based , " Mr. Bergez said. Grants are CHANGING YOUNG LIVES, page 18
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Gratef ul f o rhelp, committed to excel The endowment "just changes these kid's lives," said Joanne Maher, director of stewardship and development for the Archdiocese. "They are able to go to a school they might not otherwise be able to go to, " Recipients agree with her. "1feel privileged to have your support and, as such, will continue to excel in all aspects of my high school life," writes one Immaculate Conception Academy grant recipient. "My mother and I feel blessed and acknowledge that your support makesmy education possible." An incoming freshmanat juniperoSerra writes, "This means a lot to my family and me, I will make sure that I do my best in my freshman year and throughout the restof high school." A mother of two Catholic school students writes, "It is so hard thesedays as a single mother to give the education, security and direction that you feel is needed to raise children. And with your huge help, you have made my job just that much easier,May God blessyou for your big heart"