SAGINAW — More students will have access to a high-quality, faith-based Catholic school education because of a new scholarship program announced today by the Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley, Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw.
The Welcome Scholarship fund is a new program open to any student not previously enrolled in a Catholic school of the Saginaw Diocese, regardless of religious affiliation or household income. The scholarship is being funded by a generous $100,000 contribution from the Saginaw-based Wolohan Family Foundation, with a match by the Diocese.
“Catholic schools have a unique ability to set high academic standards, offer a robust sense of community and develop a strong foundation of Catholic faith,” Bishop Hurley said. “Because of the generous donation from the Wolohan Family Foundation, more students in our region will have access to all the benefits of a Catholic school education. I am extremely grateful for their partnership and long-time generosity, and thrilled the Diocese can match these funds.”
The Diocese will offer $1,000 scholarships for high school students; $750 for grades 1-8; and $500 for kindergarten, and has pledged to provide additional funds to ensure every request is met.
The commitment comes in the midst of Catholic Schools Week, a nationwide celebration shared by nearly 2 million students across the country. The week-long observance of Catholic schools highlights the many contributions they make to the Church and greater community.
There are 13 Catholic schools in the 11-county Diocese, which this year are educating nearly 2,100 students. Nationally, Catholic school students have a 99-percent graduation rate and 94 percent pursue advanced degrees. As part of their well-rounded, faith-based education, students feed the poor, visit the elderly, raise awareness of important social issues, and serve at local charities.
For more information on this and other financial support for current Catholic school students, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at 989-797-6651. Those interested in applying for a new student scholarship may click here.
The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw was established by Pope Pius XI on Feb. 26, 1938. Today, it includes 6,955 square miles across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Sanilac, Saginaw and Tuscola counties. In 1938, The Most Rev. William Murphy, the first Bishop of Saginaw, dedicated the entire diocese under the patroness of Mary of the Assumption.