2023 Catholic Schools Scholarship Appeal

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Click on the button above to make a one-time donation or set up a monthly pledge to help families in need keep their children in Catholic schools in Arkansas. For more information, contact Marguerite Olberts, associate superintendent, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 394. | Leer en español

The 10th annual Catholic Schools Scholarship Appeal kicks off Nov. 11-12 to assist schools statewide in raising funds for need-based tuition assistance. Tuition rates in Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Arkansas are significantly less than the actual cost of educating students in our Catholic schools.

Yet the cost of tuition is a challenge to hundreds of our families who desire a Catholic education for their children. Parish subsidies, school fundraising and foundations provide funds for financial assistance, but not enough, especially this year. | Leer en español.

All parishes in the Diocese of Little Rock are provided a flyer to include in their bulletin, a statement from the bishop to be read at Masses and donation forms to kick off the appeal. Letters are mailed to donors. See the donation form in English or Spanish. Donors may also donate online.

In 2022, donations from this appeal provided tuition support to 78 students ranging from $500 to $2,700 per student. All funds raised through this appeal go directly to an Arkansas Catholic school to provide tuition assistance to a family with a demonstrated financial need.

"The LEARNS Act is a new development in our state, which provides funding for tuition and some fees through an Education Freedom Account for students who meet the criteria to qualify," explained Bishop Anthony B. Taylor in this year's letter. "The majority of students who are in need of scholarships to Catholic schools do not qualify for an Education Freedom Account. The need for financial assistance remains an obstacle for many families.

"Our Catholic schools face financial challenges which include decreases in parish subsidies, increased need for fundraising, and a greater need for financial assistance for families negatively affected by the economy. This last challenge is where you can help. This year the calculated need is $173,113," he added. Read his letter in English or Spanish.

FACTS Management Company, a third-party provider, reviews the applications and determines if a family qualifies for tuition assistance.

This appeal was created in 2013 to close the gap in providing assistance to families who qualified for financial assistance. Donations help families who could not otherwise afford to offer a Catholic education to their children. This effort is sponsored by the Office of Catholic Schools. For more information, contact Marguerite Olberts, associate superintendent, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 394.

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, or donate online via credit card. Thank you so much for your gift, and remember our Catholic schools in your prayers.