Tuition Opportunity Partnership
About the Program
This groundbreaking scholarship opportunity was announced on July 1, 2020, by the Diocese of Greensburg thanks to an anonymous donor who is committed to fortifying Catholic education in Western Pennsylvania. In 2020, more than 800 students benefited from the tuition assistance totaling nearly $2.5 million. The available monies offset the cost of Catholic education for nearly 250 students who were new to the Catholic School system, thereby increasing Catholic School enrollment in the Diocese of Greensburg by 13.1%. The anonymous donor has agreed to extend the TOP Student program for an additional five years, with the help of new donors including Mr. Jay W. Cleveland, Jr., President and CEO of Cleveland Brothers. More than 100 other businesses and individuals have also committed to the Pennsylvania Educational Income Tax Credit program, bringing the five-year outlook for tuition assistance to approximately $20 million.
Capital Projects and Assistance
The Diocese of Greensburg is grateful for the assistance of three local companies who, together, are donating manpower and resources for $300,000 worth of capital projects over the next year at Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Greensburg. Lindy Paving, New Galilee, Pa, is undertaking parking lot sealing, restriping, and repairs at Queen of Angels Catholic School (Irwin), Mary Queen of Apostles School (New Kensington), Mother of Sorrows School (Murrysville), Saint Bernard Regional Catholic School (Indiana), The Divine Redeemer School (Ford City) and Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School/Conn Area (Connellsville). Arch Masonry, Pittsburgh, Pa, is undertaking masonry, cleaning and repair work at St. Sebastian School (Belle Vernon), Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School (Connellsville), Aquinas Academy (Greensburg), Greensburg Central Catholic High School (Greensburg), Christ the Divine Teacher (Latrobe), Mother of Sorrows School (Murrysville) and Mary Queen of Apostles School (New Kensington). Golden Triangle Construction, Imperial, Pa, undertook a major construction project at Aquinas Academy (Greensburg) which involved removing and replacing the entire existing sidewalk and concrete pad in the front of the building. The Diocese of Greensburg is also grateful to attorney John Goetz and the law firm Jones Day, Pittsburgh, for all the pro bono legal services provided throughout the completion of these donations. “These are major opportunities for our Catholic schools, each made possible by community-minded individuals who understand the impact that Catholic education can have in a person’s life,” Bishop Larry J. Kulick said. “We are grateful for their commitment to our schools and families through these partnerships.” “These are true evangelization efforts. These monies help to ensure that more students will be knowledgeable in the faith,” Dr. Maureen Marsteller, Superintendent of Catholic Schools said. “My hope is that they will be able to share their joy and discovery of the Truths of the Catholic faith with others.”
The Catholic School Advantage
The Diocese of Greensburg Catholic Schools provide a caring environment where children can talk openly about faith in a high-tech academic atmosphere.
THE STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO IS 13–TO-1
THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE IS 100%
97% OF OUR GRADUATES GO TO COLLEGE
WE TEACH CHILDREN RESPECT OF SELF AND OTHERS
WE INSTILL THE VALUE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS IN EVERY STUDENT
WE SET HIGH STANDARDS FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND HELP THEM SUCCEED
WE PREPARE STUDENTS TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS AND FUTURE LEADERS.
St. Pope John Paul II
America magazine wrote that Saint Pope John Paul II left a legacy of being one of the most important world leaders in the second half of the 20th century. He was a man of conviction and principle who built bridges of peace between people of different countries and religions. He was a preacher and a teacher who drew historic crowds of men, women and children all yearning to be closer to God. He was front and center on the global stage as a defender of human dignity writing that, “Every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt in the Church’s very heart.” He believed that Catholic schools should be supported because they are critical to the formation and inspiration of young people. Children who receive a faith-based Catholic education have the tools they need to develop a solid moral foundation so that they can become good and independent citizens of the world who, like Christ’s Disciples, follow Jesus’ commands to love and serve God and their neighbors. “Nobody is so poor he has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich he has nothing to receive.” – Saint Pope John Paul II
How It Works
The parent or guardian of an interested student should register to Become a Top Student or call 724-552-2565 to arrange an in-person interview with the designated outreach and admissions coordinator to begin the process of applying for the Saint Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership. The family must then demonstrate a financial need and express a willingness to provide some financial contribution to the cost of the education and agree to support the child’s academic progress. This will include the completion of the FACTS Grant and Aid application so that alternative sources of funding, such as EITC assistance, may be used for tuition assistance as well. However, the parent/guardian does not have to qualify for low income assistance to be eligible for participation in the partnership. The student must demonstrate evidence of academic commitment and an enthusiasm for learning as well as a willingness to participate in at least one activity at the student’s local parish or faith community. The family, along with the student, must demonstrate their commitment to the school as well as to their parish or denominational church through the donation of time, talent or treasure as able. They should earn recognition as valued servant leaders. The family must be registered members, or be willing to become members, of a faith community.
Support the Program
Today, many underserved children in Western Pennsylvania face disadvantages similar to the 30 million immigrants at the turn of the century; they relocated to the United States from countries like Ireland, Italy and Poland and were welcomed into Catholic Schools. Today we are at a similar crossroads. In the public education system many would not have the life-changing mentorship and leadership opportunities in an openly Christian environment that are available to children in Catholic school communities. Families interested in participating in the Saint Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership will be matched with an outreach and admissions coordinator who will accompany them through the application process. The coordinator will serve as a caring and committed consultant, providing personalized attention to students and their families so that every question along the way can be answered. Bishop Larry J. Kulick and all the clergy of the Diocese of Greensburg are committed to caring for the spiritual needs of every student in the Saint Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership so that each can deepen their faith, develop a personal relationship with Christ, enhance their self-esteem, and enjoy hope, joy and love of life. This is an opportunity for evangelization to all faiths. The Saint Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership can provide a Catholic education for any family who wants to enroll a child into a Catholic school regardless of their financial situation. Become a Partner of TOP students. Contact Michael Lucotch, Director of Development, 724-552-2503, mlucotch@dioceseofgreensburg.org