THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
formerly Caritas
Impact Overview 2024/25
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT GREG RICHMOND
Dear Friends of Catholic Schools,
Catholic schools have been a blessing to the Archdiocese of Chicago since its inception. As we reflect on another successful year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community that has connected us for generations and still binds us together. It is because of our dedicated and generous community — families, faculty, staff and donors — that our schools can deliver on our mission rooted in the teachings of Christ: to educate the whole child — mind, body and spirit. Your gift to the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program provided vital financial assistance to families who are committed to a Catholic school education but need help with tuition. Thank you for your continued faith in the mission of Catholic schools and for inspiring the next generation of compassionate leaders and dedicated servants of God.
Peace, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
ABOUT THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Caritas Scholarship was created in 2013 in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s To Teach Who Christ Is capital campaign. Funds from the Caritas program were used to provide need-based financial assistance to families who are committed to enrolling in a Catholic school but need help with the cost of tuition.
After the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program ended in the fall of 2023, the Archdiocese of Chicago recognized an immediate need to fill the funding gap left by the demise of the Invest in Kids Act, and the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program was created, absorbing the former Caritas program under the new name. In addition to the original Caritas program, the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program also includes named scholarships created in partnership with key donors across the archdiocese.
All of these renewable scholarship opportunities are available to eligible students (K–8) at archdiocesan schools and may be transferable to any archdiocesan school subject to availability of funds and donor intent.
Our Catholic schools help students become future leaders by focusing on high academic standards, core instruction and spiritual, physical and emotional growth.
THE NEED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS CONTINUES
In the first year of the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program, more than $5.4 million in scholarships were issued to families who may have previously relied on the Invest in Kids Act to attend a Catholic school.
Despite the initial success of the program, many students continue to have unmet financial need. With continued donor support, we hope to provide more scholarships to families and close the remaining gap left each year.
The average scholarship of $2,168 covers approximately 40% of tuition.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
School Year 2024/25
Scholarships make Catholic education affordable for all, including families from diverse backgrounds.
“Thank you to all the families who contributed to the tuition assistance program. We are grateful that this help will allow our son to continue his Catholic education and spiritual development. We look forward to our son continuing to grow in his relationship with God and mature in the Catholic values that he is being taught at St. Procopius School. As these values are important to our family, we are appreciative of this blessing and generosity. God Bless You.”
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF RECIPIENT FAMILIES
School Year 2024/25
71% of the funds awarded in 2024/25 went to families making less than $55,000 a year.
Household income equal to or above $55,000 and less than $75,000
Household income greater than or equal to $75,000
In 2024/25, the average recipient family had a household income less than $48,000.
—Parent at St. Procopius School
THE GROWTH SCHOLARSHIP
Growing our Catholic schools
Launched in the spring of 2023 as a pilot program, the Growth Scholarship reflects a strong commitment from a generous anonymous donor to attract more families to Catholic schools. The primary goal of the Growth program is to enroll students from nearby public schools into Catholic schools that have the capacity to grow enrollment. This initiative is specifically designed to assist students and families who require financial support to make a Catholic school education a reality.
Participating schools are selected based on their ability to increase enrollment and the demand within their local communities. These schools play a vital role in promoting the scholarship locally and identifying eligible students, ensuring that the funds are awarded to those who need them most.
In 2024/25, 66 students in 11 schools were awarded Growth scholarships.
THE ILLINOIS CLUB FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN (ICCW) SCHOLARSHIP FOR GIRLS
Empowering girls through Catholic education
The Illinois Club for Catholic Women (ICCW) was founded in 1921 with the mission of recognizing the sacred dignity of every individual, supply compassionate service and assist Catholic charities in and around Chicago. Today, the ICCW is one of Chicago’s leading charitable providers for the most vulnerable and neglected members of society.
In 2024, the ICCW established the ICCW Scholarship for Girls in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago. This 3-year program aims to empower young women through Catholic education and inspire them to live the values of the Catholic church.
St. Albert the Great School $10,000 5
St. Anastasia School
St. Christopher School
St. Hubert School
St. John Vianney School
St. Leonard School
St. Procopius School
$12,000 5
$21,500 10
$5,000 2
$25,000 12
$4,500 2
$6,000 3
St. Symphorosa School $7,000 4
Grand Total $144,000 66
Girls are recommended for the scholarship by the principal of their school. In 2024/25, the inaugural year of the program, 35 young women were awarded the ICCW scholarship in five schools across the archdiocese.
6
7
6
Albert the Great School $20,950 9
Thomas of Villanova School $20,000 7
Total $83,333 35
SCHOOLS WITH STUDENTS RECEIVING CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
School Year 2024/25
835 North Rush Street Chicago, IL 60611-2030
tel 312.534.5200 schools.archchicago.org
Help support Catholic education by contributing to the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program. Your generosity can help bright, deserving students achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To donate, please scan the QR code or visit archchicago.org/scholarships
Photography: Alexander Gouletas; Tricia Koning, Chicago
Photo
Art.