When my dad, Ed Smith, lost his father at age 15, he was able to continue paying Catholic school tuition with earnings from his paper route. In the 66 years since, kids riding bikes on paper routes are practically non-existent, and tuition rates are more than a student can earn through a summer job. Even without such a tragic loss, many families face financial challenges in affording tuition due to the high cost of living in New Jersey.
That’s where the South Jersey Scholarship Fund comes in. The SJSF, founded in 2001, exists to help bridge the gap between need and tuition for families who want their children to continue receiving a Catholic Education. In recent years, the annual need for tuition assistance has grown to more than $13 million. Diocesan schools typically meet 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. More than 100 families were helped by the fund in the 2022-23 school year.
John Finley, a SJSF supporter, felt so strongly about the need to provide students with scholarship assistance that he joined the board of trustees in 2021. He’s witnessed the value of a Catholic school education as a student, parent and grandparent.
“It’s hard for a lot of parents to afford tuition today. The scholarship fund is so important to help them while making the sacrifice. Thank God it exists,” Finley said. “There are so many positive aspects of Catholic school, from the reinforcement of faith and being able to pray in school, to the academics,” he continued, also citing other benefits such as the numerous college scholarships given at graduations, successful athletic programs and “the family atmosphere, where parents are involved and concerned for each other.”
Finley expressed hope that promoting the Spring Sprint for Scholarships would help raise visibility of the SJSF and increase the donor base. “Principals throughout the diocese would like to see that happen to allow them to help even more families who would like to continue sending their children in Catholic school,” he said.
Sister Jerilyn Einstein, FMIJ, principal of Guardian Angels Regional School, Paulsboro, said, “Giving to the South Jersey Scholarship fund is a fabulous way to help families who would otherwise not be able to afford a Catholic Education. In the past years, many children have benefitted from this fund and have gone on to receive scholarships to continue their Catholic education in various colleges and universities. This might not have been possible if they did not receive their foundations in our Catholic elementary and high schools. Our children are the world’s future. Giving them the opportunity to receive a quality Catholic education where Christ is present in prayer, worship, service and in their everyday existence is one avenue in which you can pass on your legacy and your desire to contribute to a better society!”
To donate to the SJSF Spring Sprint for Scholarships, visit southjerseycatholicschools.org/springsprint.
Stacy Napolitano is the associate director of major gifts and stewardship for the diocesan Office of Development.
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