BRIDGEPORT—In response to hardships caused by COVID-19, Foundations in Education is extending the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund application deadline for new families so as to encourage their consideration of a Catholic education for their children entering grades K-8.
The mission of the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund is to help families afford a Catholic education. In this past year, the fund awarded nearly $2.8 million in aid to families of students attending Diocesan elementary schools in Fairfield County.
With COVID-19 interrupting in-person school visits as early as mid-March, many new families were unable to tour Catholic elementary schools or set up “shadow” dates for their children to spend the day among prospective classmates.
Spring is typically a busy enrollment period in Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic elementary schools. While schools make outstanding efforts to provide prospective families a quality virtual admission experience, many have seen a delay in new student applications.
The deadline extension enables Foundations to be nimble and responsive to the changing needs of Catholic schools and to the communities they seek to serve. It also provides flexibility to families considering a switch to Catholic schools, which have navigated the transition to remote learning exceedingly well and ahead of some neighboring district schools.
For new families, K-8 applications to Bishop’s Scholarship Fund are still being accepted for the 2020-2021 academic year and will be available until funds are expended. Prospective families who need financial assistance are encouraged to apply today as tuition assistance is available only while funds last.
The application process is streamlined for convenience. Applicants apply online via the FACTS Grant and Aid application at www.FACTSmgt.com/aid. Schools can assist new families with the application process.
Superintendent Dr. Steven Cheeseman has reported that the diocese plans to begin the next school year in September with in-person classes and the ability to make a fluid transition to distance learning if it becomes necessary.
“There’s no better time to experience the difference a Catholic School can make for your child,” commented Foundations’ Executive Director Holly Doherty-Lemoine.
The mission of Foundations in Education is to strengthen and transform Catholic education in the Diocese of Bridgeport by supporting innovation in academic and extra-curricular programs, fostering opportunities for the professional development of school leaders in innovation and leadership and providing tuition assistance to families in need. For more information about Foundations in Education, please visit www.foundationsineducation.org
