$500,000 needed for tuition assistance

Published: November 9, 2016

The fourth annual Catholic Schools Scholarship Appeal will kick off Nov. 12 to assist schools statewide in providing tuition assistance to students who qualify. This year, $3.6 million is needed to provide assistance to 849 students. Parish subsidies and school scholarship funds cover $3.1 million, which leaves a need for $500,000 in donations through this appeal.

In a letter to previous donors, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor expressed the need to support Arkansas' Catholic schools. 

"Catholic schools are an integral part of the teaching mission of the Church because they assist parents in the important obligation of educating and forming their children through faith development. It is more important than ever that we continue to provide an academically rigorous education, rooted in the Gospel, and rich in the cherished traditions and liturgical practices of our faith," he said. "In doing so, we ensure that students will have the foundation to live a moral and upright life to face the challenges brought on by cultural and moral changes in the world today." Read the letter.

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Little Rock are asked to include this insert in their bulletins at Masses Nov. 12-13. It is offered in English and Spanish. Donors may mail a check to: Catholic Schools of Arkansas Scholarship Appeal, Diocese of Little Rock, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217-7565. New this year, participants also have the option of donating online via credit card.

FACTS Management Company, a third-party provider, reviews applications for tuition assistance and determines the families who qualify. The Catholic Schools Scholarship Appeal was created in 2013 to close the gap in providing assistance to all the families who requested it. Donations to this appeal help families who could not otherwise afford to offer a Catholic education to their children.

"I ask that you help us to continue the tradition by investing in the future and donating to the Catholic Schools Scholarship Appeal. Every dollar received from donations will be used to aid those in need of financial assistance," Bishop Taylor said.

This appeal is sponsored by the Office of Catholic Schools. For more information, contact Marguerite Olberts, associate superintendent, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 394.