The South Jersey Scholarship Fund has kicked off its annual campaign to help children pursue a Catholic education in the Diocese of Camden.
The Spring Sprint for Scholarships, which runs from May 1 to June 30, aims to raise $100,00 to help families who want their children to learn in an environment that combines a quality education with the Catholic faith.
“Catholic schools provide a faith-based education and foundation for a lifetime of discipleship and learning,” said Dr. Bill Watson, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Camden. “It is one of the most important decisions a family will make, and the Spring Sprint for Scholarships helps families to manage financially what they know is the best for their child spiritually, academically and in every aspect of their development.”
Last year, the fund raised $150,000, which in the 2024-2025 school year, helped 165 students attend a Catholic school operated by the Diocese of Camden. That number of students was a 32% increase from the previous school year, 2023-2024.
“Since the spring appeal’s inception in 2021, the number of students served has climbed from 90 to 100, then 110 to 125, and now 125 to 165,” said Stacy Napolitano, director of development for the Diocese of Camden.
Many of those who donate, she said, are Catholic school alumni, parents of Catholic school students – or both. “They often reflect on the positive impact Catholic school had on them or their children. They want local students to receive the same benefits of a quality education where learning the Catholic faith is paramount.”
“We are so grateful to our donors and hope to help even more students next year,” Napolitano said.
Dr. Watson said that the Spring Sprint for Scholarships provides vital assistance to help families make their desire for a Catholic school education for their children a reality.
That has been seen firsthand in Clayton, where Matt Tornese, principal at Saint Michael the Archangel Regional School, finds that Catholic schools offer “a strong education and foundation in faith that you can’t find anywhere else.”
“Thanks to the South Jersey Scholarship Fund, Saint Michael’s has been able to open its doors to more families who may never have considered a Catholic education,” he said.
To support the SJSF’s Spring Sprint for Scholarships, visit southjerseycatholicschools.org/springsprint or call 856-583-6125.
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