Tuition aid offered to students

Established as part of the 2001 Diocesan Capital Campaign, the interest from a $5 million endowment fund will be available for disbursement among families in need who already have one or more students enrolled in a Catholic elementary or secondary school.

"This is an exciting venture," said Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of schools for the Diocese. "We are delighted to offer this assistance to our families. This is one way to say to parents that we want to help them."

Forms needed

A committee consisting of members of the diocesan School Board and staff members of the Catholic School Office will review the applications. Principals of Catholic schools can also provide the committee with recommendations for students. Sister Jane expects the awards to be made after May 15.

Aid received from the Lally Tuition Assistance Fund will be in addition to financial aid offered by individual schools.

Helping poor

"We receive many letters from parents looking for help with tuition," she said. "This is one attempt to help. Parents are pleased that the Diocese is helping."

The average tuition at Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese is between $1,800 and $2,200. Tuition at the four diocesan high schools ranges between $3,800 and $4,800. Until the applications for assistance are received and reviewed, the superintendent is not sure what the average award amount will be. However, she said, the diocesan School Board expects the awards to run between $250 and $500.

(Editor's note: Parents can call the Catholic school where their child is enrolled to receive a Private School Aid Services form. For additional information, contact the Catholic School Office at 453-6666.)

(03-07-02) [[In-content Ad]]