The letters from grateful parents and students arrive to the office of Catholic Schools throughout the year. Each is a bit different, but the overall message is the same: Thank you for the financial support from the South Jersey Scholarship Fund (SJSF). It makes a big difference in allowing my child to attend Catholic School.
Attendance in South Jersey’s Catholic schools positively impacts both students and the community. The students receive moral and ethical guidance in their journey to Christian adulthood along with an academic education that exceeds national and state curriculum standards. Families in need want to continue providing their children with this high-quality, faith-based education. That can be difficult financially. The average cost of elementary education in the Diocese is $5,400, and the average cost of high school is $10,800.
In the 2021-22 school year, the need for tuition assistance was $13.7 million. Diocesan schools met approximately 80% of that need through a combination of sources, including fundraisers, individual donors, local scholarships, contributions from parishes and a distribution from the SJSF.
“The South Jersey Scholarship Fund exists to help close that $2.7 million gap between awarded assistance and need. Every penny we raise goes toward scholarship assistance. With the demand for tuition assistance rising each year, we implemented the Spring Sprint for Scholarships fundraising campaign in 2021 as a concentrated effort to increase scholarship opportunities in all schools,” said Tom Iacovone, SJSF treasurer. “And, we were able to do that this school year by supporting nearly 100 students. We would like to help even more next year.”
The campaign began May 2 and runs through June 30. While donations have been steady throughout the course of the campaign, they have not yet reached the $50,000 goal’s halfway mark. More support is needed for families struggling to afford tuition.
“I am well aware of the sacrifices that many parents make in order to send their child to a Catholic school,” Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan said. “The values-based Catholic environment is so important to these families. I ask that you consider supporting them in their efforts to raise faithful, well-rounded students by supporting the SJSF Spring Sprint for Scholarships.”
One generous donor, Joanne Carr, explained why she contributed to this year’s campaign. “I gave in my dad’s memory. He was a big supporter of Catholic education, as am I. I went through 12 years of Catholic school and so did my children. It was a wonderful experience for all of us and shaped us into the people we are today. I think everyone who wants it should have the opportunity. I’m happy to support this campaign.”
To donate to the SJSF Spring Sprint for Scholarships, visit southjerseycatholicschools.org/springsprint.
Stacy Napolitano is special events producer for the diocesan Office of Development.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
