THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Caritas
MESSAGE FROM CARDINAL BLASE J. CUPICH
Dear Friends of Catholic Education,
On May 8, 2025, the world witnessed a historic moment as Cardinal Robert F. Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and was introduced as Pope Leo XIV. His election marked a milestone, not only as the first American pope, but as a proud son of Chicago and a product of our Catholic schools.
Born and raised on the South Side, Pope Leo XIV attended St. Mary of the Assumption, studied theology at Catholic Theological Union, and taught at St. Rita High School. His journey from the classrooms of the Archdiocese of Chicago to the Chair of St. Peter is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of a Catholic education.
For more than 180 years, our Catholic schools have been places where students grow in knowledge, character and faith. Today, they remain vital centers of learning and community, especially for families facing financial hardship. Through the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program, we are able to ensure that every child who desires a Catholic education has the opportunity to receive one — regardless of their financial circumstances.
As we reach the midpoint of this school year, I am deeply grateful for the generosity that has already opened doors for so many students. Your support makes this possible. It allows us to welcome students into nurturing environments where they are challenged academically, formed spiritually, and surrounded by a community that believes in their potential. It helps us build strong school communities that reflect the Gospel values of love, service, and hope.
Looking ahead to the months to come, I invite you to continue walking with us in this mission. Your gift to the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program is more than a donation — it is a lifeline for families, a foundation for students, and a legacy of faith.
Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. Your generosity is a powerful expression of faith and compassion and it is changing lives. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and commitment to Catholic education.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop of Chicago
“What truly sets our schools apart is our belief in the unique potential of every student, in forming hearts and minds, and in preparing students to succeed in school and in life.”
—Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT GREG RICHMOND
Dear Friends of Catholic Schools,
Catholic schools have been a cornerstone of the Archdiocese of Chicago for generations, nurturing students in faith, knowledge, and service. As we celebrate another successful year, I am deeply grateful for the vibrant community that makes this mission possible — families, educators, staff and especially you, our generous donors.
Your support of the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program has provided essential tuition assistance to families who are committed to a Catholic education but face financial challenges. Because of you, children are thriving in environments that shape their minds, strengthen their bodies, and nourish their spirits.
Thank you for believing in the transformative power of Catholic education. Your generosity is inspiring a new generation of compassionate leaders and faithful servants of God.
With gratitude, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
ABOUT THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Catholic Schools Scholarship Program was established in 2024 in response to the conclusion of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Recognizing the urgent need to continue supporting families committed to Catholic education, the Archdiocese of Chicago launched this program to ensure access and affordability for students across our schools.
The program also includes several named scholarships, created in partnership with key donors throughout the archdiocese. These renewable, need-based scholarships are available to eligible students in grades K–8 and may be transferred between archdiocesan schools, subjects to donor intent and available funding.
The success of the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program is made possible by the generosity of our donors who believe in the transformative power of Catholic education. That unwaivering support helps us fulfill our mission of forming future leaders — young people who are grounded in faith, guided by strong values, and nurtured through academic excellence and holistic development.
Through the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program, we are not only providing critical financial assistance to families in need, we are safeguarding a tradition, uplifting families, and shaping the future of our Church and our communities.
THE NEED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS CONTINUES
In the second year of the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program, more than 2,000 scholarships were issued totaling $4.5 million dollars in 101 schools across the archdiocese. In total and since 2024, nearly $10 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to families who rely on this financial assistance to keep their children in a Catholic school.
Despite the initial success of the Catholic Schools Scholarship Program and additional aid provided by our partner organizations and local parishes, many students continue to have unmet financial need. With continued donor support, we hope to provide more scholarships to families and close the funding gap left each year.
The average scholarship of $2,174 covers approximately 40% of an Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic school’s average tuition.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
School Year 2025/26
Scholarships make Catholic education affordable for all, including families from diverse backgrounds.
“Thank you for blessing our child with the opportunity to continue in a Catholic school. We are so grateful and forever in debt to you for your generosity. My children are so grateful they get to continue in their Catholic school. We appreciate all your help and we are forever in debt to you, thank you again for blessing us!”
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF RECIPIENT FAMILIES
School Year 2025/26
71% of scholarship funds were awarded to students whose total family income is less than $55,00 per year.
*2024 Federal Poverty Level for a family of four
In 2025/26, the average recipient family had an average annual household income of $48,695 .
—Parent at Sts. Bruno and Richard School
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
THE VINCE AND PATRICIA KOLBER SCHOLARSHIP
Supporting schools and uniting parishes through Renew My Church
The Vince and Patricia Kolber Scholarship was established in 2020 to provide financial assistance to students impacted by parish and school consolidations during the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Renew My Church process. The funds are designed to aid students transitioning to a new Catholic school. This important assistance reflects the Kolber’s commitment to support families impacted by school closures and further the unification of parishes and schools.
In 2025/26, the Kolber scholarship was awarded to 30 students in six schools across the archdiocese.
THE DOROTHY C. AND EDWARD A. BRENNAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
Making Catholic education accessible for more families
The Dorothy C. and Edward A. Brennan Family Scholarship was established in 2023 by Mark A. Brennan and his seven siblings in honor of their mother and father, reflecting a deep commitment to Catholic education and the importance of strong family values. The scholarship shares the blessings the siblings have received because of the Catholic values their parents instilled and the sacrifices that their parents made to provide a Catholic education.
In 2025/26, the third year of the scholarship, 30 students in nine schools received the Brennan Family Scholarship.
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 2025/26, 81 students in 16 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.
Girls are recommended for the scholarship by the principal of their school. In 2025/26, the inaugural year of the program, 34 young women were awarded the ICCW scholarship in seven schools across the archdiocese.
SCHOOLS WITH STUDENTS RECEIVING CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
School Year 2025/26
with less than $200 in scholarships not listed.
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
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