Major tuition assistance donation

Enrollment in the 12 Catholic schools of the Diocese of Greensburg continues to increase as hundreds of families are inquiring about The St. Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership (TOP). The groundbreaking scholarship opportunity was unveiled July 1 at five press conferences throughout the diocese. Many of the inquiries came from families who may otherwise not be able to afford a Catholic education. Nearly a third of current Catholic school families in the diocese whose family incomes were negatively impacted by COVID-19 are also considering participating in the TOP student program.

The TOP student initiative was founded by anonymous donors from the local business community who received Catholic educations and were profoundly influenced by St. Pope John Paul II. It requires families to be registered members of a faith community and for students to be active volunteers.

The donors believe that their Catholic faith, education and moral foundation gave them a great advantage in life.

The donors committed $2.4 million in tuition assistance for the 2020-21 academic year. That is the single largest donation by a family that the diocese has ever received in a single year.

Their commitment, combined with $1.7 million in existing funds donated by more than 100 individuals and businesses participating in Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, makes $4.1 million in scholarships and tuition assistance available for students at the 12 Catholic schools in the diocese.

Diocesan leaders hope The St. Pope John Paul II Tuition Opportunity Partnership will become a model for making Catholic education accessible to families who value strong Catholic teaching and formation as a necessary part of their child’s development.