Grants Awarded for the 2023-24 Academic Year

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)/OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“General Operating Support for Schools of Special Education”

$200,000

Annual operational support for the three AOP schools of special education.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)/OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION-ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“A New IDEA in the Keystone State”

$28,700

Increase school leaders’ knowledge of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the opportunity to access an equitable share of IDEA-funded special education services not tapped to-date but available to private school students. Grant would help identify students eligible for public funding.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)/OFFICE FOR MINISTRY WITH YOUTH

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Youth Co-Leadership Protagonism Initiative (YCOPI)”

$66,410

Grow the Church in Philadelphia by energizing youth engagement through a protagonist-accompaniment ministry model that forms and empowers 35 high school-aged youths to create youth mission initiatives (YMI), equips 35 adult accompanies, and engages youth in planning and executing the local youth conference.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)/OFFICE FOR THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Archbishop’s Commission for Missionary Disciples”

$28,700

Continue funding of the 2022-23 launch-year program of the Archbishop’s commission consisting of Kerygmatic retreats to parish staffs, schools of missionary discipleship, and the Archbishop’s Go Forth texting initiative.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)/ARCHBISHOP’S COMMISSION ON RACIAL HEALING

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Healing the Sin of Racism Through Encounter, Formation, and Action”

$20,000

Continue the program introduced in 2021-22 and funded for a second year (2022-23) as a sub-grant to the Catholic Leadership Institute, supporting two seminarians assigned to parishes, with the remaining funds restricted to two high schools for student training in Catholic Social Teaching.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)/VISIONING COMMITTEE ON CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Funding Archbishop Perez’s Visioning Committee on Catholic Education”

$68,000

Continuation in Year #2, with a funds carryover from 2022-23 and grant increase to total $68,000, of work directed at the creation of a comprehensive profile of a projected Catholic education landscape across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2050. Funding supports independent research, analysis, and recommendations, devised by three independent consultancies, drawn from comparative quantitative and qualitative data obtained from identified schools, educational and other research organizations, think tanks, and selected individuals in multiple U.S. markets.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)

Philadelphia, Pa. 

“Annual Grant to the Archbishop of Philadelphia for Discretionary Purposes”

$50,000

Provide funding for the Archbishop’s annual designated use.

ARCHBISHOP JOHN CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL

Radnor, Pa.

“Expansion of Inclusive Education Supports”

$50,000

Expand the supports for students with disabilities at Archbishop John Carroll High School and St. Katharine Day School through ongoing teacher training/coaching, peer mentor training, and consulting services provided by an inclusion specialist.

ARCHBISHOP RYAN HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“STEAM Academy”

$106,472

Enhance interdisciplinary STEAM courses through the addition of an anatomage table, medical equipment, computer-aided drafting and design programs, 3D printers for mechanical engineering and design, and robotics materials, all applied in a projected renovated instructional space.

BISHOP SHANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL

Downingtown, Pa.

“Reinvigorating the Learning Environment”

$150,000

Create seven well-equipped, properly furnished, and technologically current learning zones — accessible to faculty and students of all learning abilities before, during, and after school — from a portion of the library-converted Media Center, which no longer meets the instructional methods driven by today’s academic programming and prompted by prior Ambassador’s Fund-supported professional development initiatives.

CHESTNUT HILL COLLEGE

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Launching a Clinical Immersion Model in Nursing Education”

$139,500

Establish a simulation lab at Saint Joseph Villa, the grantee’s first clinical site, to introduce a clinical immersion nursing program for traditional-age undergraduates and second-degree students that differs from all other nursing education in the region for its content and instructional framework.

COLLEGIUM INSTITUTE FOR CATHOLIC THOUGHT AND CULTURE

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Young Catholic Leaders Initiative”

$63,125

Equip Catholic high school teachers with academic resources that will elevate their knowledge of the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition, which will respond to student requests for an intelligent, engaging presentation of Catholicism and substantive initiatives for faith formation. Funding supports three for-credit workshops for teachers, two workshops for students, a summer seminar, and a monthly Student Ambassadors program for 15 students at the Penn Newman Center.

DREXEL NEUMANN ACADEMY

Chester, Pa.

St. Clare Wellness Program”

$53,600

Draw from the spiritualities of St. Clare of Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi in expanding the school’s existing counseling program by providing the necessary mental health tools and resources that support DNA students in developing coping skills and enabling them to achieve academic success. Teachers will be equipped with social-emotional strategies to assist their students who are struggling with mental health challenges as family disruption, trauma, food insecurity, neighborhood violence and safety in the city of Chester, relationships with caregivers, depression, anxiety, and issues particular to the economically disadvantaged community where they live.

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

Lower Gwynedd, Pa.

“Building Future-Ready Graduates Through Targeted Academic Innovation”

$80,000

Support the introduction of two new academic pathways, the Innovation Scholar and the Global Scholar, that will provide instruction and practice on future-leaning skills such as inventive problem-solving, sustainable design, and cross-cultural collaboration by partnering with highly regarded educational programs that include the Lemelson-MIT Partners in Invention Education and the World Affairs Council. All students will participate in the pathways, but designated Scholars will delve more deeply.

HOLY GHOST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Bensalem, Pa.

“Holy Ghost Prep Medical Institute — Anatomage Table”

$75,000

Introduce the first of several Ghost Institutes designed to integrate discipline-specific content instruction with hands-on application of classroom teaching and learning, and linked with real-world experiences represented in college majors and relevant careers. The Ghost Medical Institute will integrate science/medical course development, seminars, demonstrations, curriculum-based applications of the anatomage table, a capstone project, and interdisciplinary honors-level studies in theology and biology that incorporate Spiritan spirituality and St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY

Immaculata, Pa.

“Vivify: An Alphonsian-IHM Campus Culture”

$49,741

Build on the campus ministry plan created for the 2022-23 academic year, infusing the campus culture with the Alphonsian-IHM charism and its intellectual and spiritual tradition. Program includes expanded and additional content-rich, thematically coherent, and measurably accountable retreats, educational programs, liturgies, Alphonsian Book Club discussions, Alphonsian-aligned activities, and campus minister leadership training.

INDEPENDENCE MISSION SCHOOLS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Expansion of Catholic Identity Efforts at the Independence Mission Schools Network”

$83,625

Continue to expand and strengthen the network’s Catholic identity and curriculum to ensure that associated best practices are shared and implemented in all IMS sites through priest support in the schools, Catholic Identity Coordinators at each school, and piloting an innovative Religion Specialist position at one of the network schools.

LIVE VERTICAL

Springfield, Pa.

“Campus Ministry BEYOND the Campus Minister”

$144,000

Continue the 2022-23 program (as conducted by Stewardship: A Mission of Faith) of monthly visits focused on campus minister coaching and adult/student Guided Adoration and other Eucharistic encounters, as well as on bi-weekly mentoring calls with campus ministers from the first cohort of schools and with the addition of the remaining seven schools. Program directors will continue to manage the data collection from the 16 schools for high school campus ministry research findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

MOTHER TERESA REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Enriching Language Arts Across the Curriculum”

$25,000

Convert schoolwide language arts instruction with materials developed by the respected CoreKnowledge Foundation as follow-up to a positive pilot 2022-23 rollout of school-funded CKLA in Grades K-2. The use of CoreKnowledge’s content-rich materials revealed success across all student levels.

MOTHER TERESA REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Promoting Individualized Achievement at MTC”

$30,000

Offer a pilot program of individualized tailored instruction to students at all levels, but with particular focus on highly motivated high achievers seeking a more robust curriculum but also suitable for English language learners and students with learning disabilities. Students participate on a voluntary basis on-site at MTC.  Families of participating students cost-share the per-student fee with the school, which is charged by the presenting organization, and commit to supporting the student’s program process at home.

ROMAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Expanding the Educational Framework: Growing Opportunities in the Arts”

$85,000

Support a strategic plan for growing and sustaining the visual and performing arts curriculum by broadened music program opportunities applied through digital keyboards provided in an electronic piano lab and by expanded visual arts instruction through increased ceramics materials suitable for a fully equipped ceramics studio.

SAINT JOHN VIANNEY CENTER

Downingtown, Pa.

“Philadelphia Regional Women’s Religious Workshop”

$4,300

Equip leaders of communities of women religious with the knowledge to identify traits of personality disorders in their members, the skills to manage members exhibiting difficult behaviors, and the resources to lead harmonious religious communities as well as to attend to their own physical and mental health.

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Audio Visual Program Expansion”

$282,000

Purchase and install a state-of-the-art audio-visual package to support the seminary’s strategic vision for academic and pastoral operations, including livestream network and recording studio, classroom technology, and formation room technology. Grant could be delayed to 2024-25, depending on readiness of Lower Gwynedd campus.

SAINT GENEVIEVE SCHOOL

Flourtown, Pa.

“Social-Emotional Learning to Better Support Today’s Child”

$15,000

Expand the school mission by embracing emotional health and wellness and equipping students, parents, and teachers with tools for supporting faith-based reflection, individual responsibility, and positive behavior.

SPECIAL GRANT: AMBASSADOR’S FUND FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Wayne, Pa.

“Reserve Funds”

$108,000

Hold funds in reserve for discretionary use as determined by the Board of Directors throughout 2023-24.

THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

Doylestown, Pa.

“Understanding, Appreciating, and Promoting Our Catholic Intellectual Heritage Through the Teachings of St. John Paul II. Part II: Cataloguing the John Paul II Collection”

$48,600

Provide effective tools for organizing, cataloguing, managing, and maintaining the Shrine’s extensive print and media collections into a reference/research library for scholarly research, teaching, learning, and evangelization inspired by the legacy of Saint John Paul II. A consulting professional cataloguer will be engaged for one year to catalogue, manage, and set up the maintenance of the 20,000-book collection and media resources according to professional standards.

THE NEWMAN CENTER AT ST. AGATHA-ST. JAMES

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Campus Outreach to Greek Life at the University of Pennsylvania”

$17,500 (Yr. #1 of 2)

Provide a FOCUS missionary to engage and minister to Catholic students involved in Greek life at Penn, modeled on the successful grant-supported two-year Varsity Catholic and ESTEEM missionary programs.

VILLA JOSEPH MARIE HIGH SCHOOL

Holland, Pa.

“Eliminating Silos: Finding Synergy in Money and Mission”

$64,000

Introduce a unique faith-based curriculum and experiential learning cross-disciplinary educational and leadership development program that merges commerce with Catholic faith-based business principles. Students will be connected to nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit leaders who will mentor and guide them in meetings, the creation of case studies, and a case study competition.

 

Grants Awarded for the 2022-23 Academic Year

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA/OFFICE FOR MINISTRY WITH YOUNG ADULTS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“The Young Adult Missionary Disciple Initiative”

$150,000

Expand young adult ministry (primarily college-age Gen Z and Millennials) and safeguard the growth of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia by: training 50 missionary disciples; empowering each to create small faith communities of 10 young adults; and energizing a potential of 500 young adults to become fully alive members of the church.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA/OFFICE OF THE MODERATOR OF THE CURIA

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Revitalization of the Pastoral Center Auditorium”

$150,000

Renovate auditorium into a flexible space and infrastructure for: an attractive state-of-the-art center for both in-person and virtual programming, an education and training center for intra-diocesan office staffs, and a professional media center for the Archbishop and his communications staff.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA/ARCHBISHOP’S COMMISSION FOR MISSIONARY DISCIPLES

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Archbishop’s Commission on Missionary Disciples”

$26,000

Create a culture of missionary disciples in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, following a preparatory year (2021-22), in launching Kerygmatic Retreats primarily for parish staffs and multiple Schools of Missionary Discipleship.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA/VISIONING COMMITTEE ON CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Funding Archbishop Nelson Perez’s Visioning Committee on Catholic Education”

$35,000

Create a comprehensive profile of a projected Catholic education landscape across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2050, based on independent research, analysis, and recommendations drawn from comparative quantitative and qualitative data obtained from identified schools, educational and other research organizations, think tanks, and selected individuals in multiple U.S. markets.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA/CATHOLICPHILLY.COM

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Digital Marketing Campaign” (Yr. #3 of 3)

$10,448

Fund the third and final year of a comprehensive digital marketing campaign.

 

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA/OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION-ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Full Inclusion in Catholic Elementary Schools” (Yr. #2 of 2)

Establish a model program for integrating students with physical and intellectual disabilities into the general education classroom. In the grant’s second year, two elementary schools will serve as the pilot sites for teacher training and coaching to develop the pedagogical skills necessary to modify the curriculum and allow all students to participate fully in classroom activity.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA/OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“General Operating Support for the Schools of Special Education”

$200,000

Annual operational support of three Archdiocese of Philadelphia three schools of special education.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Annual Grant to the Archbishop of Philadelphia for Discretionary Purposes”

$50,000

Provide funding for the Archbishop’s annual designated use.

ARCHBISHOP JOHN CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL

Radnor, Pa.

“Inclusive Education and Peer Mentorship at Archbishop John Carroll High School” 

$37,000

In conjunction with the Office of Catholic Education, expand services and supports for high school students with disabilities through targeted and ongoing teacher training and coaching and by establishing a peer mentor program.

CABRINI UNIVERSITY 

Radnor, Pa.

“Expanding the Education of the Heart Project at Cabrini University: Catholic Identity Leadership Training”

$6,000

Further support the efforts of Cabrini’s Department of Campus Ministry to increase students’ knowledge of their Catholic faith through lectures, co-curricular activities, and Catholic identity leadership training.

CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Wayne, Pa.

“Called for More: A New Way to Match, Appoint, and Transition Catholic Priests to Parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia”

$125,000

Revolutionize the discernment, appointment, and transition of priests through intentional, research-based, and faith-filled attention to: innovative technology integration; priest placement; growth plans; and personalized support. This data-driven initiative prioritizes care for priests’ corporal and spiritual needs, fostering leadership, education, and vitality so that 330 priests in the AOP can better care for the 217 parishes they shepherd.

CRISTO REY PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Internships in Catholic Elementary Schools” (Yr. #2 of 2)

$70,000

Encourage students of color to become teachers by creating two Work-Study Internship Teams of four students each in two Catholic elementary schools that will work five days a week, with each Cristo Rey student present in the schools five days a month. Students will acquire hands-on experience while assisting their classroom teachers/mentors in creating lesson plans, practicing classroom management, and teaching selected classes.

THE CULTURE PROJECT INTERNATIONAL

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Philadelphia Culture Project Missionary Team Launch” (Yr. #2 of 2)

$75,000

Launch a missionary team across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia whose outreach among students in Grades 7 through 12 will confront harmful beliefs and behaviors rooted in cultural undermining of human life, sexuality, and virtue. Target populations will also include parish youth groups, religious education programs, and college students and young adult groups.

DREXEL NEUMANN ACADEMY

Chester, Pa.

“STEM Studio”

$32,000

Expand the existing STEM program and STEM facilities to support instruction and student lab experiences with practicing scientists and engineers through partnerships with The Chemours Company and the National Hockey League.

THE FRIENDS OF FATHER JUDGE HIGH SCHOOL, INC.

Philadelphia, Pa.

“FJ Welding Program — New Heights”

$127,154

Purchase additional specialized tools and materials for further upgrades and enhancements to the successful three-year Pennsylvania certificate welding program that will introduce a new layer of technology integration to the curriculum. Program students have surpassed the typical skill sets. AUTO CAD will be implemented to teach students to use CNC PLASMA cutting tables and push them into engineering and drafting career paths.

IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY

Immaculata, Pa.

“Vivify: An Alphonsian-IHM Campus Culture”

$29,700

Create a campus culture inspired by St. Alphonsus Liguori and infused with the Alphonsian-IHM charism and its intellectual and spiritual tradition, generating faith formation through retreats, educational programs, liturgy, and service.

INDEPENDENCE MISSION SCHOOLS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Bolstering Catholic Identity as Part of the Academic Strategy of the Independence Mission Schools”

$30,000

Ensure that best practices related to Catholic identity are shared and implemented at all IM schools through an intensive one-day teacher training workshop conducted by the Sophia Institute for Teachers that will strengthen their understanding of Church teaching and their application of complementary teaching strategies and instructional materials.

LANSDALE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Lansdale, Pa.

“Increasing STEM Lab Skills in All Students”

$46,144

Reverse COVID-caused delays in lab skills development – because of remote or hybrid education — through a STEM lab skills boot camp conducted by an external lab technical instructor and geared to each course and level of instruction. Challenging courses will be emphasized, particularly in biology and chemistry and as directed at multiple simulated health care settings, and including AP-level computer science instruction.

LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Wyndmoor, Pa.

“Emerging Technology in Business and Design at La Salle College High School” (Yr. #2 of 2) 

$45,500

Introduce an Emerging Technology in Business and Design (ETBD) program as the next logical step in La Salle’s academic technology curriculum. ETBD will be an experiential, market-responsive program that is pioneering across archdiocesan and private/independent schools and spans teaching and learning in interactive media, digital game studies, innovation, writing and development, esports, business, and entrepreneurship.

LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

Philadelphia, Pa.

“La Salle University’s Early Achievement Program (LEAP)  Yr. #1 of 2

$150,000

Expand La Salle’s pilot dual-enrollment program (LEAP) launched in the summer of 2021 with SteppingStone Scholars to 200 students, designating at least 100 students from AOP high schools who can earn a maximum 30 college credits while completing their high school education. Special attention will be paid to low-income students.

MOTHER TERESA REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Preserving American Civic Values — American History and Curriculum”

$15,000

Create a new, unique social studies curriculum for the school’s 7^th and 8^th grades that integrates the principles of America’s founding documents with Catholic foundational teachings and resources, using the Catechism of the Catholic Church, teaching resources from the Sophia Institute for Teachers and its Ambassador’s Fund-sponsored three-day 2022 invitational professional development workshop, and social studies resources from the respected CoreKnowledge Foundation.

NAZARETH ACADEMY

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Creating a Collaborative Learning Multimedia Center for Innovation”

$27,012

Transform the existing library into a Multimedia Center for Innovation that expands the ability of the new Innovation Center to meet strong program growth, high student demand, and faculty instructional needs. Emphasis is on supporting student opportunities for STREAM-based skills development. Grant applicant is providing 65% of the funding to this project.

SAINT LUCY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Educating Students with Cortical Visual Impairments”. (Yr. #2 of 2)

$85,090

Expand a limited initiative into a full-time program addressing the needs of children with Cortical Visual Impairments (CVI), which is caused by traumatic brain assaults, and launched with the hiring of a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsement-credentialed lead teacher to develop all elements of a comprehensive program. Saint Lucy is the only school among the AOP’s three schools of special education to grow over the last three years and would offer the only school-based program in the Philadelphia region to serve students with CVI.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Training Catholic Elementary School Teachers in Philadelphia” 

Equip teachers in Bucks County with catechetical content, knowledge, and teaching strategies that integrate smoothly into their existing curriculum; modeled on the first workshop presented for teachers in Chester County in 2021-22.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Catechetical Orientation for New Teachers in the AOP” (Yr. #2 of 2)

$20,400

Provide intensive catechetical training to every newly-hired K-8 archdiocesan and IMS teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia over the next two years. Two programs, each at the beginning of the 2021 and 2022 school years, will be presented to an estimated 450 teachers. Workshops will deliver content grounded in the Catholic faith and provide teaching strategies for helping students develop an understanding and appreciation of Church teachings.

STEWARDSHIP: A MISSION OF FAITH

Elizabethtown, Pa.

“Coaching and Mentoring High School Campus Ministers”

$88,000

Create a Catholic high school campus ministry program characterized by formal training, ongoing coaching, and individual mentoring of school ministers and selected administrators in seven AOP high schools that builds on religion as a subject taught and studied in the classroom to a faith vibrantly lived within the entire school community. Pilot funding supports the collection of baseline data associated with the minister role, activities, and professional preparation with hands-on on-site work with the ministers, all of which will provide a cache of content for a projected follow-up education and training program.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“STEM Program”

$17,400

Purchase classroom materials — 3D Printer, printing and coding materials, additional printer resources, teaching guidebook, Makerbot certificates — for the school’s STEM curriculum.

ST. MARY INTERPAROCHIAL SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Middle School Entrepreneurial Service Leadership Program and K-8 Innovation Hub”

$67,500

Challenge St. Mary’s middle schoolers’ strong STREAM-based competencies with higher-level programming through an entrepreneurship elective produced in partnership with 901 Education, a curriculum developer with extensive experience in high school settings. Students will apply critical thinking and collaborative learning skills through an entrepreneurial opportunity focused on service leadership using the design thinking model and concluding with an Entrepreneurship Fair at Thomas Jefferson University. Also, form a K-8 Innovation Hub where educators and leaders can observe best educational practices-in-action and receive high-quality professional development with the use of appropriate-level equipment.

 

 

Grants Awarded for the 2021-22 Academic Year

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA (AOP)

Philadelphia, Pa.  

“Annual Discretionary Grant for Use by the Archbishop of Philadelphia”

$69,000

Provide funding for the Archbishop’s annual designated use.

AOP/CATHOLICPHILLY.COM

Philadelphia Pa.

“Digital Marketing Campaign” – Year #2 of 3

$10,448

Establish a robust targeted digital marketing program that supports pastors and schools in education and faith formation for Catholics living and working in Southeast Pennsylvania.

AOP/OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION-ELEMENTARY EDUCATION       

Philadelphia, Pa.              

“Full Inclusion in the Elementary Schools”

$75,000

Establish a model program for integrating students with physical and intellectual disabilities into the general education classroom. Three elementary schools will serve as the pilot sites for teacher training and coaching to develop the pedagogical skills necessary to modify the curriculum and allow all students to participate fully in classroom activity.

AOP/OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION-ELEMENTARY EDUCATION                                           

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Keystone STARS Certification Initiative”

$150,000 (New) + $75,000 (Year #2)

Assist 10 elementary schools in obtaining the required Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing to achieve STAR 1 certification in the Keystone STARS Program. Certified Pre-K programs become eligible for state funding designated for early childhood programs. This new 2021-22 grant is in addition to Year #2 of the two-year grant awarded at $75,000 for five schools. Year #1 (2020-21) of the two-year grant funded eight schools at $120,000.

AOP/OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION-ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Social Emotional Learning: A Catholic Perspective”–Year #1 of 2

$69,900

Partner with Restoration Matters (RM), a nonprofit based in St. Louis, on a two-year pilot program to educate and train two cohorts of teachers in the principles of Social Emotional Learning for Virtue-Based Schools (SEL-VBS), grounded in the human and theological virtues as defined by the Catholic Church.

AOP/ARCHBISHOP’S COMMISSION FOR MISSIONARY DISCIPLES

Philadelphia, Pa.          

“Archbishop’s Commission for Missionary Disciples”

$10,000

Provide funds for the founding year (May 2021-May 2022) period of prayer, study, and discernment in determining the long-term organizational structure of the Archbishop’s commission and in developing specific projects and initiatives that will create an archdiocesan culture of missionary disciples. 

AOP/ARCHBISHOP’S COMMISSION ON RACIAL HEALING          

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing”

$10,000

Develop plans to provide programs for parishes schools and other entities to promote interracial dialogue and healing.

AOP/OFFICE FOR CATECHETICAL FORMATION  

Philadelphia, Pa.            

“Regional Catechetical Development: Pilot Program for PreK-8 Teachers”

$30,000

Partner with the Sophia Institute for Teachers on a pilot catechetical professional development program conducted on a regional/county basis for PreK-8 teachers and their respective school administrators. Instruction is designed to enhance faculty comprehension of the Church’s teachings and equip them with effective teaching strategies that instill in their students a faith that is vibrant, transferable, and enduring. Chester County schools will be invited to participate as the first cohort for the in-person pilot program, which anticipates follow-up sessions conducted virtually.

ARCHBISHOP WOOD HIGH SCHOOL

Warminster, Pa.

“Archbishop Wood High School Learning Support Program”

$28,000

Convert a five-year-old learning support program into an expanded, integrated rostered curriculum for students in need of learning accommodations.

BISHOP SHANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL

Downingtown, Pa.                   

“Taking STEM to the Next Level”

$88,000

Strengthen STEM program by adding two makerspace labs equipped with printers, audio/visual equipment, software, and other relevant instructional resources; increasing faculty professional development and STEM certification; and expanding inquiry-based, student-centered, collaborative, and interdisciplinary learning experiences that will fully utilize new spaces and technologies.

CABRINI UNIVERSITY    

Radnor, Pa.        

“Expanding the Education of the Heart Project at Cabrini University”

$25,000

Continue the successful work introduced through the 2020-21 grant to engage students in an examination of fundamentals of our Catholic faith and the intellectual foundations and approaches to Catholic spirituality and worship. Co-curricular activities, retreats, bi-weekly follow-up programming, and guest speakers will focus on evangelization in the digital world. Guest speakers for the Catholic Lecture Series will represent the spiritual traditions and perspectives of the Dominican Friars, Sisters of Life, Sisters of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, diocesan priests, lay men and lay women, and other key Catholic figures.

CATHOLIC HISTORICAL RESEARCH CENTER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA     

Philadelphia, Pa.  

“Philly in Focus: Digitizing Robert Halvey’s Photographic History of Catholic Philadelphia”

$20,720

Digitize, identify, arrange, and preserve the photographs of noted Philadelphia photographer Robert Halvey, who served as a freelance photographer from 1935 to 1999 for The Catholic Standard and Times, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Halvey Photograph Collection is the one of the most requested in the Archives, and its 16,000 negatives are becoming increasingly more fragile for the purposes of original research and reference.

CRISTO REY PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.   

“Internships in Catholic Elementary Schools” – Year #1 of 2

$70,000

Encourage students of color to become teachers by creating two Work-Study Internship Teams of four students each in two Catholic elementary schools that will work five days a week, with each Cristo Rey student present in the schools five days a month. Students will acquire hands-on experience while assisting their classroom teachers/mentors in creating lesson plans, practicing classroom management, and teaching selected classes.

THE CULTURE PROJECT INTERNATIONAL                                                                                   

Wynnewood, Pa.     

“Philadelphia Culture Project Missionary Team Launch” – Year #1 of 2 

$130,000

Launch a missionary team across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia whose outreach among students in Grades 7 through 12 will confront harmful beliefs and behaviors rooted in cultural undermining of human life, sexuality, and virtue. Target populations will also include parish youth groups, religious education programs, college students, and young adult groups.

FAITH IN THE FUTURE FOUNDATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Schools of Special Education General Operating Support”

$200,000

Annual request for operational support of three AOP schools of special education.

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL                                                                            

Gwynedd Valley, Pa.

“InterMission – Developing Ethical Leadership Schools Through Experiential Service Learning”

$28,000

Integrate the strengths of three distinct programs in leadership, spiritual development, and academics into a schoolwide community service-learning program. Students will complete the 12-unit Lead4Change curriculum that promotes ethical leadership and entrepreneurial skills through project-based learning within a community service framework. “InterMission” will be implemented as a mid-year, weeklong service-learning program to provide all students experiential learning opportunities on and off campus and applied to social issues aligned with the Catholic mission of the Sisters of Mercy.

INDEPENDENCE MISSION SCHOOLS

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Catechizing Teachers from the Independence Mission Schools”

$30,000

Engage the Sophia Institute for Teachers to provide up to 300 IMS teachers with a full day of intensive training that will strengthen their understanding of Church teaching, give them proven strategies for incorporating new knowledge into their classrooms, and deliver classroom-ready instructional materials.

LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Wyndmoor, Pa.

“Emerging Technology in Business and Design at La Salle College High School” – Year #1 of 2

$100,660

Introduce an Emerging Technology in Business and Design (EBTD) program as the next logical step in La Salle’s academic technology curriculum — an experiential, market-responsive program that is pioneering across archdiocesan and private/independent schools and spans teaching and learning in interactive media, digital game studies, innovation, writing and development, e-sports, business, and entrepreneurship. Funding supports partial costs for the first two years of a four-year rollout.

LITTLE FLOWER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS         

Philadelphia, Pa.        

“The Center for Academic Excellence: Planning and Start-Up Year”

$92,000

Create a hub for academic excellence with increased access for all students to the highest levels of rigor in the curriculum, including the introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, the first-ever in the AOP.

MERCY CAREER & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa. 

“Lift Up Literacy Part II”

$16,966

Continue work with MAX Teaching to offer professional development to Mercy’s faculty, both CTE teachers and academic teachers, that offers strategies to improve math and reading proficiency. MAX refers to the three steps of the teaching framework — motivation, acquisition, and extension — that raise the bar for all students in a classroom environment while engaging all students in active learning from textbooks and other forms of textual matter. Teacher workshops and embedded coaching days drive the program and are supplemented by teacher and student testing.

MERION MERCY ACADEMY

Merion, Pa.

“Discovery and Design Studio at Merion Mercy Academy”

$75,510

Complete the integration of project-based learning across the curriculum with a “Discovery and Design Studio” that supports faculty with innovative teaching techniques and equips students with the principles and application of design thinking in every course. Funding supports hardware, software, consulting services, and faculty development.

THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA

Doylestown, Pa.

“Understanding, Appreciating, and Promoting Our Catholic Intellectual Heritage Through the Teachings of Saint John Paul II”

$76,500

Establish the Saint John Paul II Education Center by converting two underutilized Visitors Center meeting rooms into a multi-purpose research, teaching, and learning space and, with Fund support, by expanding media assets for scholarly research, broad education, and evangelization. The Center will focus on St. John Paul II’s teachings on the roles of the Church, the laity, and the family.

NEWMAN CENTER AT ST. AGATHA-ST. JAMES

Philadelphia, Pa.

“ESTEEM at the Newman Center (Penn-Drexel) – Year #2 of 2

$15,000

Launch an ESTEEM Program at Penn-Drexel Newman Center, which ministers to Catholic college seniors throughout their final year as they prepare to transition to the workforce and other post-graduation endeavors. Program will partner each student with an active Catholic alumna or alumnus mentor from the same field who would encourage the continuation of faith formation while overall growing a community of young, faithful, active professionals.

POPE JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL        

Royersford, Pa.       

“Pope John Paul II High School Panthers Learning Center”

$72,859

Provide educational support to students with identified cognitive and intellectual learning differences that will foster effective study skills and habits and provide specialized support to both students and their families. The introduction of the Panthers Learning Center will feature a dedicated space for student assistance; a full-time credentialed special education teacher; individualized faculty coaching, academic support, professional development; and technology designed to implement the program.

SAINT LUCY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Philadelphia, Pa.        

“Educating Students With Cortical Visual Impairments” — Year #1 of 2  

$81,800

Expand a limited initiative into a full-time program addressing the needs of children with Cortical Visual Impairments (CVI), which is caused by traumatic brain assaults, and launched with the hiring of a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsement-credentialed lead teacher to develop all elements of a comprehensive program. Saint Lucy would offer the only school-based program in the Philadelphia region to serve students with CVI.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Catechetical Orientation for New Teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia” – Year #1 of 2

$22,000

Provide intensive catechetical training to every newly-hired K-8 archdiocesan and IMS teacher in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia over the next two years.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.   

“Training Teachers on the Catholic Principles of America’s Founding”

$40,000

Present three days of challenging content and intensive training for a maximum 30 Catholic middle school social studies teachers to strengthen their understanding of the Catholic underpinnings of America’s founding for integration into their civics and history curriculum. In this follow-up to the November 2019 pilot program, teachers will complete collaborative, independent, and peer-reviewed assignments and will be invited to contribute original work to a collection of exemplar lesson plans for wider use.

ST. AGATHA-ST. JAMES CHURCH

Philadelphia, Pa.

“FOCUS Varsity Catholic” – Year #2 of 2

$15,000

Add one missionary to the Penn team of four, with a ministry specifically directed at Catholic varsity athletes and applying the traditional FOCUS model of building outreach in Bible study groups, small group discussions, ministry activities, mission trips, and other mission leadership events to an estimated 200 athletes and 28 teams.

 

Grants Awarded for the 2020-21 Academic Year

AMBASSADOR’S FUND FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Wayne, Pa.

“Reserve Funds: Additional COVID-19-Related Funding”

$165,000

Reserve a pool of funds for use in responding to or anticipating as-yet-unknown pressing COVID-related needs that emerge throughout the 2020-21 academic year.  Funds were subsequently applied in August to underwrite the cost of materials to produce 1,200 sliding protective Plexiglas screens — termed teacher sliding partitions (TSP-20) — for use in the archdiocesan suburban elementary schools as an additional layer of safety and protection for teachers and students. The screens were designed, manufactured, and delivered by collaborating funding partner Communications Test Design, Inc., (CTDI), a West Chester-based global engineering company. The protective screens comply with state health and safety regulations and, in counties where permitted, teachers have the ability to remove their masks when speaking. In addition, teachers can increase person-to-person interaction by easily moving the rolling screen directly to a student’s desk and safely speaking with that student.  The portable screens were provided to every homeroom and special area of the 71 suburban archdiocesan elementary schools, with most receiving an average of 15 and some schools as high as 30. The suburban schools were chosen for these tools because federal funds applicable to the city schools are unavailable to them.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: ARCHBISHOP OF PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Discretionary/Special-Purpose Funding”

$50,000

Provide funding for the Archbishop of Philadelphia’s discretionary use throughout the archdiocese.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: CATHOLICPHILLY.COM

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Digital Marketing Campaign” (Yr. 1. of 3)

$10,448

Establish a robust targeted digital marketing program that supports pastors and schools in education and faith formation for Catholics living and working in Southeast Pennsylvania.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Keystone STARS Certification Initiative” (Yr. 1 of 2)

$120,000

Boost and retain PreK enrollment through Keystone STARS-certified PreK programming in eight schools in 2020-21 and five schools in 2021-22.

BISHOP SHANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL

Downingtown, Pa.

“Magnify: 30-Day Happiness Challenge”

$19,417

Introduce pilot program to transform high school youth by equipping them with a renewed Catholic identity through deep examination and faith-based discussions of Scripture.

CABRINI UNIVERSITY

Radnor, Pa.

“Expanding the Education of the Heart: Enriching and Integrating Catholic Faith at Cabrini University”

$15,773

Introduce an academic and co-curricular program to increase Catholic student knowledge of Catholic intellectual foundations through deeper and broader content to the required Department of Religious Studies course and guest lectures. Strengthen the students’ demonstration of their Catholic faith through companion spiritual retreats, activities, visits to local historical churches, and other co-curricular experiences managed by Campus Ministry.

CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Malvern, Pa.

“Envisioning and Equipping the Church of the Next Generation in Philadelphia”

$150,000

Provide Year #2 of funding totaling $300,000 to underwrite 55% of the cost of support for the participation of six Philadelphia parishes in Next Generation parish services.

DREXEL NEUMANN ACADEMY

Chester, Pa.

“Advancing STEAM Learning Through 3D Design”

$5,760

Purchase licenses for teachers and students of grades 5-8 of the MakerBot 3D Printer program, which is the vendor’s associated teacher development program and would result in 3D printing certification for both teachers and students.

DREXEL NEUMANN ACADEMY

Chester, Pa.

“Social Emotional Learning Program”

$10,300

Acquire the PATHS Social and Emotional Learning Program to equip students with social and emotional competency tools to resolve conflicts, handle emotions, empathize, and make responsible decisions, thereby increasing their opportunity for academic success. The program uses twice-weekly, themed, 15- to 20-minute lessons. Assessments will measure results after one year, and Terra Nova scores will be compared year-to-year.

FAITH IN THE FUTURE FOUNDATION

Philadelphia Pa.

“General Operations for Schools of Special Education”

$200,000

Provide annual operational support of the four AOP special education schools managed by Faith in the Future Foundation.

FOUNDATION FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION

West Chester, Pa.

“Emergency Tuition Relief Fund”

$250,000

Provide tuition assistance to Catholic families of students enrolled in 12 AOP elementary schools ($150,000) who have suffered economic setbacks from COVID-19-caused illness, loss of employment, or loss of business. Tuition assistance will support 2020-21 enrollment in suburban Catholic schools that have demonstrated healthy enrollment, strong leadership, and long-term financial sustainability. Because of the Fund’s significant investment in the CLI Next Generation Parish program, an additional $100,000 is earmarked for the same tuition-relief purpose and with the same criteria for families of students enrolled in the remaining 13 CLI Next Generation parish schools. All tuition assistance grant funds will be administered by the Foundation for Catholic Education.

GESU SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Digital Art Curriculum Development”

$26,400

Expand the arts curriculum with a new graphic arts component to be introduced in grades 6-7-8. Funding will support a one-time purchase of graphic arts-specific technology to implement the new curriculum.

MERCY CAREER & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia Pa.

“Lift Up Literacy”

$17,218.

Train faculty to improve student reading and math proficiency through a six-day professional development program conducted by MAX Teaching and specifically designed for CTE teachers and students. Consultants will return to the school three times during the year to observe application in the classroom and provide feedback to the faculty.

MOTHER OF PROVIDENCE REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Wallingford, Pa. 

“STREAM Program/Lab”

$30,000

Continue promoting inquiry-based learning that was introduced through materials and training provided to the archdiocesan schools by the Archdiocesan Educational Fund 2018-19 STEM Lending Library grant awarded to the AOP/Technology Department.  Project objectives/outcomes throughout the school will be measured by at least one lab-based STREAM-integrated lesson per semester per grade and that incorporates the design process and media presentations.

NEWMAN CENTER AT ST. AGATHA-ST. JAMES

Philadelphia, Pa.

“ESTEEM at the Newman Center (Penn-Drexel)” — Yr. 1 of 2

$15,000

Launch an ESTEEM Program at Penn-Drexel Newman Center, which ministers to Catholic college seniors throughout their final year as they prepare to transition to the workforce and other post-graduation endeavors. Program will partner each student with an active Catholic alumna or alumnus mentor from the same field who would encourage the continuation of faith formation while overall growing a community of young, faithful, active professionals.

OUR MOTHER OF CONSOLATION PARISH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa. 

“Rosetta Stone Language Pilot Program” (Yr. 2 of 2)

$13,200

Fund the second of two years to pilot a foreign language program that will offer grades PreK3-8 an immersive, self-guided interactive program for second language acquisition that differs from the traditional model used in the AOP elementary schools. OMC will form a research team led by a Temple University faculty member-Board of Limited Jurisdiction member to track and analyze this alternative method of language instruction for possible collaborative opportunities among neighboring parish schools and/or a scalable option for others. Grant withdrawn.

ROMAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“The Learning Commons @ RCHS”

$125,000

Convert library to a full-service learning, research, and student-centric space with innovative and modifiable learning areas and movable pockets of spaces that support contemporary and innovative teaching methods for all students — the gifted students, the core middle students, and the students who struggle or are working with an IEP.

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Revitalization of St. Francis de Sales Gymnasium”

$50,000

Replace a 95-year-old concrete gym floor with a surface suitable for multi-use sports, fitness, camp, and assembly use by school students, families, and residents of neighboring communities.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Teaching Human Sexuality in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia”

$80,000

Develop and present a one-day convocation that provides 600 K-12 teachers and PREP catechists with informed guidance in addressing contemporary sexual issues and situations. Funding will establish a proven model of training and ongoing resources drawn from Sacred Scripture, Christian anthropology, and the Theology of the Body to address issues surrounding sexual identity, gender dysphoria, and sexual morality. Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, bishop of the Archdiocese of Bridgeport (Conn.), will present the keynote address and will be followed by tailored, grade-specific breakout workshops presented by Sophia Institute Master Teachers and facilitated by catechists selected and trained by the AOP. Teachers’ guides and materials will be distributed to all participants, and ongoing electronic resources will be available as follow-up to the convocation.

SISTERS, SERVANTS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Immaculata, Pa.

“IHM 75th Anniversary Vocation Education Program (Yr. 2 of 2)

$19,800

Support an enhanced Vocation Education Program that applies contemporary tools and resource materials to vocation outreach and instruction, establishes a culture of vocation education for target populations that addresses the communications preferences of those populations, and assists young women in vocation discernment through increased personal engagement and mentorship. Year #1 ($81,300) focuses on the concept development; professional design of portable vocation outreach and engagement materials, and of a vocation education experience installation in the House of Studies; baseline-year tracking; and technology development. Year #2  focuses on the production of all materials designed in Year #1 and ready for introduction and implementation throughout the anniversary year (2020-21), beginning with the November Mass, and operating over succeeding years. This is the Fund’s first grant awarded to a proposal submitted by a community of women religious, and specifically for a vocation education program, and one that is unique and groundbreaking among religious communities for its use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other state-of-the-art technologies designed to reach contemporary populations.

ST. AGATHA-ST. JAMES CHURCH

Philadelphia, Pa.

“FOCUS Varsity Catholic” (Yr. 1 of 2)

$15,000

Add one missionary to the Penn team of four, with a ministry specifically directed at Catholic varsity athletes and applying the traditional FOCUS model of building outreach in Bible study groups, small group discussions, ministry activities, mission trips, and other mission leadership events to an estimated 200 athletes and 28 teams.

ST. HUBERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Fulfilling the Arts Academy and STEAM Programs at SHHS”

$75,000

Expand the STEAM curriculum’s Digital Arts program by increasing the number of students by 10 each year (for a total of 28 each year, beginning 2020-21) and introducing industry certification process. Students will be academically-equipped for industry certifications testing in the graphic arts — graphic design, photo editing, website design, video editing, etc. — because of Adobe Suite instruction and a properly-equipped Digital Arts Lab.

ST. MARY INTERPAROCHIAL SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“A Sustainable K-8 STREAM Program” — Yr. 2 of 2 (Grades 5-8)

$20,000

Transform and upgrade a weekly technology instruction into a fully developed STREAM program marked by project-based learning that taps educational partnerships unique to St. Mary Interparochial, which include Greener Partners, Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Drexel University/Dragons Teach Program. Students will apply the “R” of STREAM in religious-based service projects that also teach financial literacy. This grant could be a model for cost-effective, objectives-driven PreK-8 STREAM programs.

WEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Pathfinder Program”

$14,800

Support student-related expenses associated with the school’s new college guidance “Pathfinder Program,” which matches “fit” between students and potential college and trade school options, both locally and beyond a 60-mile radius. Associated costs for juniors and seniors include one-day visits to screened, potential high-match/high-fit local institutions and weekend overnight visits to those at a distance.

 

Grants Awarded for the 2019-20 Academic Year

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: ARCHBISHOP OF PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Discretionary/Special-Purpose Funding”

$50,000

Provide funding for the Archbishop of Philadelphia’s discretionary use throughout the archdiocese.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE FOR CATHOLIC FORMATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“FORMED.org Subscriptions for Secondary Schools — Year 2”

$18,000

Provide teachers with quality, trusted, orthodox Catholic sources for e-books, videos, teacher guides, and student worksheets in a revolutionary digital platform. Grant covers the second year of seed money subscriptions for 18 secondary schools — 17 archdiocesan and Martin Saints Classical High School — at $1,000 each (full cost of $2,000), with Augustine Institute funding the remainder to offset any cost to the schools. Year#2 resources will be available to parents as well as to students and faculty.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Extraordinary Year of Mission (EYM)” — Yr. 2 of 2

$21,650

Support Year #2 of the observance of the Extraordinary Month of Mission (Oct. 2019), expanded to one year of preparation (2018-19; $45,500) as well as follow-up activities through June 2020.

BISHOP MC DEVITT HIGH SCHOOL

Wyncote, Pa.

“McDevitt Media Lab”

$10,200

Build market-sensitive technology skills in students by integrating new technology into the curriculum reshaped with the assistance of a consultant from Catholic School Management (Christian Brother Services) and the addition of five Mac computers and software licenses.

CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Malvern, Pa.

“Envisioning & Equipping the Church of the Next Generation in Philadelphia” (Yr. 1 of 2)

$150,000

Fund Year #1 of two years totaling $300,000 to underwrite 55% of the cost of support for the participation of six Philadelphia parishes in Next Generation parish services.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES (for Casa del Carmen Preschool Academy)

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Enhancing PreK Curriculum: Building a Two-Generation Approach to Literacy”

$20,539

Strengthen the application of the Teaching Strategies Gold Curriculum for the PreK program with five additional sets of materials. One set is currently shared among six classrooms. This successful curriculum supports the engagement of parents or caregivers at home and includes lesson planning tools and workbooks.

DREXEL NEUMANN ACADEMY

Chester, Pa.

“HMH Into Math” (Yr. 1)

$5,000

Provide seed funding for a new math curriculum, “Into Math,” published by Houghton Mifflin as a specific companion to its LabLearner science curriculum introduced at DNA in 2016-17 through an Archdiocesan Educational Fund grant. Applicant will return in May 2020 with a proposal to fund the following two years of Into Math subscriptions ($10,000 total) if Year #1 pilot proves successful as shown by tracking processes, test scores, and other assessments.

FAITH IN THE FUTURE FOUNDATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Schools of Special Education Operating Budget”

$200,000

Provide ongoing operational funding for the four AOP special education schools managed by Faith in the Future Foundation.

THE FRIENDS OF FATHER JUDGE HIGH SCHOOL, INC.

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Career & Technical Education (CTE) — Welding Lab”

$150,000

Launch a CTE Academy at Father Judge High School for Boys, one of three main pillars of the school’s new five-year Academic Plan. This new program will align with rigorous industry and academic standards that equip graduates with a high school diploma coupled with NOCTI Certification in their respective field. Funding will support the curriculum by purchasing welding lab equipment required for certified instruction, including welding stations and ventilation/exhaust systems. This is the Fund’s first grant in support of a career and technical education program outside of that offered by the established Mercy Career & Technical High School.

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

Gwynedd Valley, Pa.

“Finding Peace in Prayer: Holistically Building a Daily Catholic Prayer Practice Into Students’ Lives”

$20,000

Build out a student prayer and meditation program, which extends to student families, that is being introduced in 2018-19 as a pilot program emerging from the school’s strategic plan.

LITTLE FLOWER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“The New Teacher Project” (TNTP)

$100,000

Introduce TNTP at Little Flower that now exists at Ss. John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School, West Catholic Preparatory High School, and Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. The program is designed to increase student engagement through more effective teaching and the creation of successful learning environments. This grant is unique among the three other TNTP program schools in its funding of a single-sex institution and incorporating teaching strategies and other considerations associated with educating young girls.

MANOR COLLEGE

Jenkintown, Pa.

“Student & Lay Person Chaplaincy Program”

$7,800

Build out a student and lay campus chaplaincy program that strengthens student knowledge and application of the tenets of the Catholic faith at this primarily commuter Catholic college with 25% of the students identifying as Catholic. This is the Fund’s first grant in support of a religious education/evangelization program with a Catholic college.

MARTIN SAINTS CLASSICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Oreland, Pa.

“Introducing a Catholic-Integrated Spanish Curriculum”

$28,000

Create a new curriculum for Spanish I and Spanish II that integrates language instruction with other liberal arts subjects, especially with aspects of Catholic thought.

NAZARETH ACADEMY

Philadelphia, Pa.

“STREAM: 21st Century Teaching and Learning”

$99,300

Broaden a strong science core into a fully developed STREAM (Science-Technology-Religion-Engineering-Arts-Math) program with curriculum transformation, faculty development, applicable software, maker space consulting services, and lab equipment.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Doylestown, Pa.

“Our Lady of Guadalupe Hispanic Ministry Program” (Yr. 1 of 3)

$60,050

Fund Year #1 of three-year program ($60K-$40K-$20K) to establish measurable outreach activities and communications designed to build and grow a Catholic ministry with the increasing Latino population in the Buckingham area of Bucks County. This program, to be led by a bilingual Hispanic ministry director, could serve as a model for meaningful and productive Catholic outreach in other locations with a high Latino population. Grant subsequently declined.

OUR MOTHER OF CONSOLATION PARISH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“OMC Parish School Rosetta Stone Language Program” (Yr. 1 of 2)

$25,7000

Fund the first of two years ($13,200, Year #2) to pilot a foreign language program that will offer grades PreK3-8 an immersive, self-guided interactive program for second language acquisition that differs from the traditional model used in the AOP elementary schools. OMC will form a research team led by a Temple University faculty member-Board of Limited Jurisdiction member to track and analyze this alternative method of language instruction for possible collaborative opportunities among neighboring parish schools and/or a scalable option for others. 

POPE JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL

Royersford, Pa.

“STEM Pathways for PJP Student Success”

$73,000

Transform PJP’s existing collection of STEM courses into a comprehensive STEM program consisting of increased course offerings, enhanced faculty professional development, and program-related student internships in industry and non-profits, along with a dual-enrollment opportunity with Ursinus College.  A dedicated STEM lab/maker space will be converted from an existing classroom for particular focus on engineering, robotics, entrepreneurship, and technology. Funding request includes support for the purchase of STEM-related technology, STEM lab furniture, a maker space consultant, and more. This grant supports the first fleshed-out STEM, STEAM, or STREAM proposal submitted by an AOP/FIF high school.

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Creation of Pre-Kindergarten for St. Francis de Sales School”

$75,000

Convert existing library space to a PreK4 classroom, and renovate and resize a bathroom for young children.

SISTERS, SERVANTS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Immaculata, Pa.

“IHM 75th Anniversary Vocation Education Program (Yr. 1 of 2)

$81,300

Support an enhanced Vocation Education Program that applies contemporary tools and resource materials to vocation outreach and instruction, establishes a culture of vocation education for target populations that addresses the communications preferences of those populations, and assists young women in vocation discernment through increased personal engagement and mentorship. Year #1 focuses on the concept development; professional design of portable vocation outreach and engagement materials, and of a vocation education experience installation in the House of Studies; baseline-year tracking; and technology development. Year #2 ($19,800) focuses on the production of all materials designed in Year #1 and ready for introduction and implementation throughout the anniversary year (2020-21), beginning with the November Mass, and operating over succeeding years. This is the Fund’s first grant awarded to a proposal submitted by a community of women religious, and specifically for a vocation education program, and one that is unique and groundbreaking among religious communities for its use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other state-of-the-art technologies designed to reach contemporary populations.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Catechizing Elementary Teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia” (Yr. 2 of 2)

$49,200

Underwrite Year #2 of program to deliver a full day of intensive catechetical, theological, and pedagogical training to the second half of AOP elementary school teachers, approximately 600 distributed across six sessions.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Catechizing High School Theology Teachers in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia” (Yr. 2 of 2)

$10,000

Underwrite Year #2 of program offering intensive catechetical training to every Catholic high school religion teacher, an estimated 100.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Training Teachers on the Catholic Principles of America’s Founding”

$11,000

Underwrite the integration of Catholic teaching, intellectual foundations, and analysis of historical primary sources into middle school social studies instruction through a rigorous one-day team-taught intensive workshop for a maximum 25 social studies teachers accepted to the program. Proposed content and delivery would be a pilot program not only in the AOP but also nationally. The subject integration would be the first of its kind in the United States and a model for potential replication in high-performing classrooms.

ST. AGNES SCHOOL

West Chester, Pa.

“Flexible Seating for All Students at St. Agnes School”

$50,000

Incorporate alternative seating in every classroom, the math honors program, and the library — total 16 rooms — to help maintain focus in students with attention difficulties, primarily in the lower grades, and to be the model school for demonstrating a flexible classroom environment that also supports high-achieving students in the middle and upper grades.

ST. HUBERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Philadelphia, Pa. 

“STEAM Faculty Professional Development”

$3,800

Support four faculty training workshops in half-day sessions, led by contracted STEM instructors, to help devise STEAM content and projects in launching the school’s STEAM curriculum in the 2019-20 year.

SS. JOHN NEUMANN AND MARIA GORETTI HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Catholicism for Entering Non-Catholic Students”

Conduct a one-week mandatory summer course for students entering Ss. Neumann and Goretti without a basic understanding of the Catholic faith and Catholic education. Grant subsequently declined. 

ST. MARY INTERPAROCHIAL SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“A Sustainable K-8 STREAM Program” (Yr. 1 of 2; Grades K-4)

$33,000

Transform and upgrade a weekly technology instruction into a fully developed STREAM program marked by project-based learning that taps educational partnerships unique to St. Mary Interparochial, which include Greener Partners, Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Drexel University/Dragons Teach Program. Students will apply the “R” of STREAM in religious-based service projects that also teach financial literacy. This grant could be a model for cost-effective, objectives-driven PreK-8 STREAM programs.

ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

Malvern, Pa.

“Inclusion at St. Patrick School (Yr. 1)

$19,000

Provide seed funding of faculty professional development and classroom equipment in support of the school’s expansion of educational opportunities to students with disabilities, specifically to those with autism and Down syndrome, in addition to increasing enrollment of students who attend with IEPs and/or 504 Plans. This  grant draws heavily from the University of Notre Dame Program for Inclusive Education and supports the first year of an expected two years of requested funding for further inclusionary programming. The grantee has coordinated all plans and programming with the OCE Secretary of Elementary Education, who is the former Director of Special Education, and intends to establish St. Patrick as the school for inclusive Catholic education in Chester County. The grantee intends to return with a proposal in May 2020 that is informed by the results of Year #1 funding.

ST. VERONICA, AN INDEPENDENT MISSION SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Summer Reading Program”

$11,650

Introduce a summer reading program to reduce the degree of “summer slide” in students by purchasing an inventory of K-7 books and a portion of their initial replacements. The reading program incorporates a student reporting process on each chosen work and student reflections on those selections.

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR CHURCH MANAGEMENT

Villanova, Pa.

“Villanova Certificate in Catholic School Management”

$23,811

Create an online Certificate in Catholic School Management program to improve the management competencies of Catholic school principals, vice principals, presidents, and rising leaders; in collaboration with the NCEA and local school leaders.

VOCATION OFFICE FOR THE DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Philadelphia Catholic Scholars Program”

$16,165

Present an updated version of Year #1’s 10-day summer residential program for high-aspirational, high-achieving juniors and seniors to study the luminaries of Catholic thought and to open the possibility of the priesthood to young men at a crucial time of discernment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants Awarded for the 2018-19 Academic Year

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE FOR THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Fraternus Ministry in the AOP”

$17,350; Grant Postponed

To introduce the Fraternus ministry to Archdiocese of Philadelphia parishes as an effective way to evangelize sixth to 12th graders by providing them with authentic mentorship by adult Catholic men and the rites of passage that help usher them into mature, virtuous manhood.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION-SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Sensory Library for the Schools of Special Education”

$7,520

To provide schools with the ability to borrow a piece of equipment before purchasing to test its desired effect on improving a child’s learning behavior. If the equipment proves successful, the school would purchase a new item and return the borrowed piece to the library for use by other schools.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“BrainSTEPS”

$5,000

To develop comprehensive and codified “Return to Learn” (vs. Return to Play) plans for the 17 archdiocesan high schools for students experiencing a brain injury — particularly, concussion — to ease their transition back into cognitive learning in a clear and appropriate manner, to establish a protocol to document students who have sustained concussions, and to examine whether they have reached benchmarks established in partnership with the BrainSTEPS organization and program.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Catholic Leaders in the C-Suite”

$15,000; Grant Declined, Staffing Change

To equip 17 high school presidents with conceptual and practical skills in developing a local board of specified jurisdiction, increased enrollment, options for institutional advancement (fund development), and strategies for team coaching/mentoring.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“El Puente: Multicultural Outreach & Ministry”

$43,000

To build up school and parish ministry to the Latino population and any ethnic group that comes from a non-English-speaking background through the Madrinas Ministry. The madrinas (godmothers) are bridges in the community —in addition to being primarily Hispanic, can also be Vietnamese, Filipino, or other — who are the welcoming contacts in the parishes and ease the populations’ participation in parish and school life. Grant funds will provide professional development for faculty (English Language Learner and English as a New Language) through training and online courses, and for madrinas through specialized training.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY

Philadelphia, Pa.

“STEM Lending Library”

$32,000

To create two lending library sites — at geographical ends of the archdiocese — of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) software and hardware for preK-12 classrooms, provide support for faculty to use advanced technologies, and provide students with access to associated tech skills and future-ready opportunities they would not otherwise experience, such as virtual reality, robotics, coding, digital media, and makerspaces.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Alternative Seating”

$18,000

To pilot the use of alternative seating in three Delaware County elementary school classrooms to test its impact on student attention, behavior, and academic progress.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Narrowing the Gap — Data-Driven Instruction for Struggling Students”

$54,800

To model the successful Summer Bridge Program for secondary schools by introducing an interdisciplinary, project-based, motivational summer program in two elementary schools for students identified as “at risk” based on standardized test scores.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHA

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Archbishop’s Discretionary Funding”

$50,000

To support Archbishop Chaput’s priority programs, organizations, or populations throughout the archdiocese.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE FOR CATECHETICAL FORMATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“FORMED.org Subscriptions for High School Theology Departments”

$19,000

To provide teachers with quality, trusted, orthodox Catholic sources for e-books, videos, teacher guides, and student worksheets in a revolutionary digital platform. Grant covers the first-year subscription for 19 secondary schools – 17 archdiocesan high schools, Gwynedd Mercy Academy, and Martin Saints Classical High School — at a special small parish rate. FORMED.org is an initiative of the Augustine Institute and has been referred to as the “Catholic Netflix.” Philadelphia is the only system of Catholic high schools in the country to provide a subscription for each school.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: OFFICE FOR BLACK CATHOLICS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“St. Luke’s Production: Tolton, From Slave to Priest”

$14,000

To host two performances of Tolton: From Slave to Priest, a professional Catholic theater production based on the life of Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first African American priest. A morning performance is scheduled for students, and an evening performance is planned for parishioners and other adults throughout the archdiocese.

CATHOLIC HISTORIAL RESEARCH CENTER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia, Pa.

“To Touch a Saint … Creating a Place for Middle School Students”

$31,196

To develop a program for seventh- and/or eighth-grade students to experience the history of the Church in Philadelphia through a 90-minute program of classroom instruction and guided tour of current exhibits. Particular attention will be paid to the Nativist Riots of 1844, the influenza epidemic of 1918, the settlement of various ethnicities in parishes across the archdiocese, and other events that are central to the area’s Catholic heritage. Students will learn how to research parish histories as well as view and touch objects of historical value.

CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Wayne, Pa.

“Parish Missionary Disciples: Reawakening Believers on Fire for Jesus Christ”

$55,150

To support the recruitment and training of a second cohort of Parish Missionary Disciples to give witness to the power of Jesus Christ in their lives and, as a result, strengthen their parishes and further reach out to others needing Christ’s impact.

CRISTO REY PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“’Best Fit’ Overnight College Tour Program”

$45,000

To increase the number of “match” schools that students in the Class of 2020 include on their college list, the first step to ensuring they matriculate at an institution that matches their academic ability. Grant refines the 2017-18 pilot program for the Class of 2019, which supports a customized spring break tour for small groups of students of non-area colleges identified through the Barron’s Selectivity Guide that could offer them a ‘best fit’ academically.

FAITH IN THE FUTURE FOUNDATION

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Schools of Special Education Operating Budget”

$200,000

To renew operational support for the four schools of special education managed by Faith in the Future Foundation.

GESU SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Gesu School Youth Education for Tomorrow (YET) Pilot Expansions with St. Malachy School”

$31,530

To expand Gesu School’s intensive, after-school remedial literacy program for the poorest-performing first-, second-, and third-grade students — testing an average of two years below grade level — to include three students from the same grades at St. Malachy School, with the goal of achieving grade-level literacy by fourth grade. Grant funds apply to the expenses generated by St. Malachy’s portion of the program.

IHM FAMILY LITERACY CENTER

Coatesville, Pa.

“Music Together Classes”

$5,600

To strengthen toddler cognitive and language skills by bringing music instruction into an early learning center sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) for 3- to 5-year-old Hispanic students from a lower-income area of Coatesville. Music Together is an internationally recognized 30-year-old program that provides licensed teachers and music for three 10-week semesters of intergenerational sessions that combine music with English literacy skill-building.

INDEPENDENCE MISSION SCHOOLS

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Math Curriculum Pilot”

$100,000; Grant Declined Because of Changed Circumstances

To support the work of a consultant who will play a key role in the analysis and implementation of a high-quality, rigorous, Common Core-aligned math curriculum pilot and lead the training of principals and teachers of grades K-5 at five IMS schools. If successful, the pilot will lay the groundwork for a complete rollout of the new curriculum across the entire IMS network.

INDEPENDENCE MISSION SCHOOLS

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Student Information System Assessment and Implementation”

$75,400

To engage a consultant to identify network-wide needs for a new student information system (SIS) and provide support through the initial phase of new system implementation.

MERCY CAREER & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Health Occupations Program”

$76,590

To expand Mercy CTE’s Health Occupations Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program to better prepare graduates for either additional employment opportunities in the health care industry or further education. Training will be added in EKG testing, phlebotomy, risk management, and other certifications as the program grows with an expected increased enrollment.

ROMAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Lifetime Faith Formation Assistance Program” (Kairos)

$25,000

To support a transition year for the school’s Kairos program from the senior year to the junior year. The intent is to foster greater student participation in additional faith-based programs that fortify the school’s Catholic identity and strengthen the students’ relationship with God for a full year before graduating.

SAINT ANDREW SCHOOL

Drexel Hill, Pa.

“Technology Development Plan—Upper Grades”

$69,902

To promote inquiry-based learning, group collaboration, creative problem solving, critical thinking, enhanced communication skills, and improved Terra Nova scores for fifth- through eighth-graders with the addition of Chromebooks, laptops, and associated software.

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Spreading the Good News Through Video”

$7,025

To purchase an automatic tracking camera that will make the Archbishop’s Lecture Series available on the Seminary website for broad viewing by seminarians, friends, and others, as well as support blended learning systems in Seminary classrooms.

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO SEMINARY

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Relocation & Affiliation Project”

$100,000

To support the engagement of professional services consultants associated with the transition of the seminary to a new location; Year #2.

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“De Sales Technology Initiative”

$25,000

To replace SMART Board projectors and teacher laptops, upgrade the SAFARI Learning Management System, and add wireless access points.

SISTERS, SERVANTS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Coatesville, Pa.

“Boosting English Literacy in Hispanic Women and Their Children”

$22,000

To increase English literacy among low-income Hispanic women and their children through the use of iPads in building English vocabulary, properly structuring English sentences, and gaining confidence in speaking English. Women participating in the program conducted at the IHM Family Literacy Center (Coatesville, Pa.) will increase their effectiveness as primary educators of their children, improve their suitability for higher-paying jobs, and contribute more effectively at home, work, Church, and school.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Catechizing Elementary Teachers in the AOP”

$49,200

To partner with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in providing 400 elementary school teachers with a full day of intensive training that strengthens their understanding of the Church’s teachings, provides them with teaching strategies for incorporating this knowledge in the classroom, and supplies classroom-ready instructional materials. Teachers will continue to be supported throughout the year with weekly lessons on the Sunday Gospel and other resources.

SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS

Manchester, N.H.

“Catechizing High School Theology Teachers in Philadelphia”

$10,000

To partner with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in providing approximately 100 high school theology teachers with substantive, engaging, useful, and practical training that will help them deepen their knowledge and love of the Catholic faith as well as their relationship with God. The one-day workshops will build upon the success of the programs successfully piloted during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic years.

ST. JOSEPH’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“From Nominal to Practicing: Welcoming Catholics Back to the Lord’s Table”

$18,000

To introduce a parent-to-parent pilot program of pastoral outreach to the families of incoming freshmen.; Year #2.

VOCATION OFFICE FOR THE DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Going Deeper Vocation Camp”

$11,500

To offer rising high school seniors, new graduates, or those who have attended at least three years of the Quo Vadis Camp to a four-day summer camp at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary to explore their faith through prayer, service, discussions, and examining the lives of local saints. Teens will be able to explore whether they are being called to the diocesan priesthood.

VOCATION OFFICE FOR THE DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Philadelphia Catholic Scholars Program”

$16,000

To conduct two weeks of intensive study at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary for 25 intellectually motivated high school juniors and seniors focused on key themes in Catholic thought, such as Faith and Reason, Religion and the Political Life, and Contemplation and Monasticism. Students will earn college credit in philosophy (PHL 101 equivalent) that may be transferred to other institutions through this July 2018 program taught by Seminary professors and designed to expose young men to the great thinkers, spiritual richness, and intellectual depth of our Catholic faith.

VOCATION OFFICE FOR THE DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Forged by the Fire”

$16,350

To develop committed disciples of Christ who will be key leaders in their faith communities and to foster a sense of vocation within these young men of college age and above. Training and leadership development programs will be conducted for cohorts of men ages 18 to 35 who collectively attend a series of retreat weekends and execute an evangelization project. Effectiveness will be gauged by how active the group is in the archdiocese and success during evangelization outreach.

WEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Kairos”

$22,000

To support an increase in the percentage of students who experience a Kairos retreat at West Catholic by removing the economic barrier of attendance for most students, with the goal of registering 20% in 2018-19, including interested non-Catholic students.

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY NEWMAN CENTER

West Chester, Pa.

“FOCUS Mission Team”

$60,000

To support the second of two years of activities of a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) Mission Team on campus.

WIDENER NEWMAN CLUB

Chester, Pa.

“Widener University Newman Outreach”

$60,000

To support the second of two years of staff outreach to increase a personal and regular presence on campus for Catholic students through weekly Bible study, Mass, and other initiatives based at St. Katharine Drexel parish (Chester).

Grants Awarded for the 2017-18 Academic Year

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Elementary Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Create and Equip Four Elementary School Ready Rooms”

$100,000; Grant Declined

To prepare students in all elementary grades with IEPs, 504 plans, and other demonstrated learning needs to function effectively in a traditional classroom by creating and equipping one “ready room” in each of four schools across the archdiocese. Pilot program.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Secondary Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Transforming Teaching and Learning at West Catholic Preparatory High School”

$99,983

To introduce a program that will transform West Catholic Prep academically to meet the educational needs of a very low-income urban minority population through institutional strategies directed at teacher professional development that will heighten teacher effectiveness, strengthen the school’s academic program, and improve student academic outcomes.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Special Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Operations”

$200,000

To support the annual operations of the schools of special education serving students with cognitive impairments and autism spectrum disorder.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Elementary Education & Technology Department

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Integrating Technology: On-Demand Elementary Education Professional Development”

$13,500

To introduce an on-demand professional development program for teachers in the 11 South Philadelphia Elementary Cohort schools that will upgrade and enhance their knowledge and skills with instructional technology, on a schedule conducive to their individual schedules, and measurable by both the teachers and school administrators. This program incorporates analytics for ongoing professional and personal development.

Office for Catechetical Formation

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Metanoia”

“Sophomore Rally Pilot Program”

$80,000

To build on the structure of the successful 2016 Sophomore Rally pilot program in engaging sophomores, and with the addition of freshmen, in a meaningful day that addresses the issues challenging young high school students and offers them guidance in decision-making rooted in Catholic values and principles.

Click for Follow-Up Metanoia Program Videos:

Metanoia Monday Video #1

Metanoia Monday Video #2

Metanoia Monday Video #3

Metanoia Monday Video #4

Office for Catechetical Formation

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Newman Center at Widener University”

$40,000

To establish a Newman Center at St. Katharine Drexel Parish (Chester, Pa.) for Catholic students attending Widener University.

Office for Catechetical Formation

Philadelphia, Pa.

$49,000

“Tradition: A Celebration of The Catechism of the Catholic Church”

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Catechism of the Catholic Church and energize the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in a renewed appreciation for the treasure that it is by a one-day program of nationally respected speakers, prayer, and music.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Secondary Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“High School Summer Bridge Program”

$54,000

To ease the transition of academically at-risk students into their freshman year through a monthlong summer learning support program focusing on language arts, math skills, study skills, and Catholic high school culture conducted at three locations.

Saint Francis de Sales School

Philadelphia, Pa.

“The de Sales Technology Initiative”

$30,000

To continue an improvement and updating plan for in-classroom technology that supports access for all third grade students during the school day and after-hours for those without computers or Internet at home.

Drexel Neumann Academy

Chester, Pa.

“Writing & Language Arts Program/Chromebooks”

$23,366

To increase high school preparation for students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, particularly their writing skills, through online reading and math enrichment programs as well as with supplemental materials in history and social studies.

Independence Mission Schools (IMS)

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Literacy and Parent Engagement Initiatives for St. Malachy School”

$72,000

To offer the five-week Springboard Collaborative summer reading program to eligible students and the families of St. Malachy School and to provide additional programming throughout the year aimed at fully engaging parents in their children’s education.  

The Culture Project International

Wynnewood, Pa.

“The Culture Project Partnership Program”

$15,000

To support an ongoing series of presentations by three Culture Project International missionaries to middle school and high school students on the topics of human dignity and sexual integrity and to further partner with schools on follow-up Q&A sessions and other relationship-building activities throughout the year.

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Institute of Catholic Faith”

$100,000

To create the first of three two-year programs for candidates for the Permanent Diaconate and the laity offering education and faith formation in the teachings of the Catholic faith. Deferred.

Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Overnight Visits Designed to Ensure Student Selection of ‘Best Fit’ Colleges”

$40,000

To offer the Class of 2019 a four-day, three-night guided visit to selected out-of-area Catholic colleges during spring break (2018) to expose them to colleges they would unlikely consider but could be the best fit for them.

Office of the Archbishop of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Special-Purpose Funding”

$50,000

To provide funding for the Archbishop’s discretionary use throughout the archdiocese.

Vocation Office for Archdiocesan Priesthood

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Vocation Office Media Center”

$12,560

To supplement the seminary curricular experience, coaching seminarians in state-of-the-art message delivery and helping them to grow in connecting with today’s and tomorrow’s congregations through podcasts, videos, and social and other new media

Vocation Office for Archdiocesan Priesthood

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Brothers of Borromeo Camp”

$6,200

To support the re-launch of the one-day summer camp for boys in Grades 6, 7, and 8 who are thinking about the priesthood.

Gesu School

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Technology Advancement Project”

$67,640

To complete the school’s technology infrastructure by granting personalized access to all students through 120 iPads and software applications purchased for PreK-2 classes in a 2 students-to-1 device ratio and 60 Chromebooks and software licenses purchased for Grade 3 classes in a 1-to-1 ratio.

Independence Mission Schools (IMS)

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Technology Improvements & Integration”

$100,000

To continue funding technology at IMS locations, at four additional schools, that includes hardware, software, and professional development focused on integrating technology in classroom instruction.

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Relocation & Affiliation Project”

$100,000

To support the engagement of professional services consultants associated with the transition of the seminary to a new location.

West Chester University Newman Center

West Chester, Pa.

“Establish a FOCUS Mission Team”

$60,000

To introduce a team of missionaries from the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at the West Chester University Newman Center.

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Black Catholics

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Attendance Registrations for the National Black Catholic Congress XII”

$25,000

To provide registration fees for 71 participants in the 2017 National Black Catholic Congress in Orlando, Florida, with special emphasis on those from the 16 African-American parishes in the inner city.

St. Joseph’s Preparatory School

Philadelphia, Pa.

“From Nominal to Practicing: Welcoming Catholics Back to the Lord’s Table”

$18,000

To introduce a parent-to-parent pilot program of pastoral outreach to the families of incoming freshmen.

Grants Awarded for the 2016-17 Academic Year

Vocation Office for Archdiocesan Priesthood

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Forged by the Fire”

$31,496

To conduct a three-day retreat for men ages 18 to 25. (Grant Delayed)

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Secondary Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Leadership Academy-Community of Practice”

$91,100

To conduct a five-day intensive professional development program for secondary school administrators, followed by job-embedded skills training and on-site classroom observations in conjunction with Learning Science International.

Catholic Family Fun Club

Aston, Pa.

“Networking Families for Development of Catholic Catechetical and Social Activities”

$60,000

To increase networking among Catholic families for whom Catholicism is important and to attend local Catholic catechetical and social activities together.

Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Alumni Support Program to Ensure College Attendance and Retention”

$20,000

To encourage, strengthen, and assist graduating seniors overcome the challenges of obtaining a college education by supporting the hiring of an alumni support coordinator who will create an alumni culture for the first time and with the added role of college advisor. The Class of 2016 is the young school’s first to enter college.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Special Education Schools

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Operations”

$200,000

To provide operating support for the four schools of special education and special education programs across the archdiocese.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Elementary Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Operations”

$188,680

To provide the final year of a multi-year operations grant in support of OCE elementary education administration.

Office for Catechetical Formation

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Sophomore Rally Pilot Program”

$20,000

To engage sophomores in a meaningful retreat day that addresses the personal issues challenging students in their sophomore year and offers them guidance in decision-making rooted in Catholic values and principles. Program elements include inspirational speakers and homilist, stories, contemporary music, breakout sessions for small-group reflection and discussion, and a curriculum for sophomore theology teachers to measure ongoing impact.  

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Elementary Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Showcase of Excellence”

$20,000

To highlight student achievement in a public forum, reveal the quality and dimension of the archdiocesan K-8 educational product among participating city and suburban schools, offer the general public examples of the credible and viable school choice offered by Catholic elementary schools, and challenge students to achieve in a variety of STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, math) disciplines.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Secondary Education & Technology Department

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Integrating Technology: On-Demand Secondary Education Professional Development”

$24,000

To introduce an on-demand professional development program of 30-minute webinars for secondary school teachers that will upgrade and enhance their knowledge and skills with instructional technology on a schedule conducive to their individual schedules, and measurable by both the teachers and school administrators.

Catholic Leadership Institute

Wayne, Pa.

“Training for Leadership in the New Evangelization”

$55,000

To launch a pilot program for key lay staff and volunteers from participating parishes that supports them as leaders of the New Evangelization in creating more vibrant faith communities through 10 days of leadership formation and training over the course of one year.

Independence Mission Schools (IMS)

King of Prussia, Pa.

“Technology Infrastructure”

$94,280

To upgrade the technology infrastructure in multiple urban school buildings ranging from 60 years old to 100 for the use of iPads and Chromebooks in classroom settings.

Independence Mission Schools (IMS)

King of Prussia, Pa.

“St. Veronica PREP Recruitment Project”

$12,000

To support St. Veronica School (Philadelphia) in promoting the value of Catholic education to parish families with students attending public or charter schools, but who are enrolled in parish religious instruction and sacrament preparation, through marketing materials prepared for the predominantly Spanish-speaking households and with financial assistance for newly recruited students.

Providence Center

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Education Technology for Children, Teens, and Adults”

$15,000

To assist the predominantly high-poverty Latino neighborhood educational center incorporate technology into programming that supports children’s academic progress, computer literacy, and values development; assists teens in preparing for college and the workplace; enhances adult education opportunities for English language learners.

Gesu School

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Youngest Scholars Program”

$41,000

To provide high-achieving Gesu School students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 from predominantly impoverished neighborhoods with a five-week, rigorous, theme-based academic program during June and July that challenges them with research, cross-curricular writing exercises, readings from fiction and non-fiction, and connections to math and science that is further reinforced by after-school sessions throughout the academic year.

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Wynnewood, Pa.

“Tech Tools for Teaching”

$72,380

To replace 10-year-old projectors and screens in five Vianney Hall classrooms with state-of-the-art projection equipment used by theology seminarians, candidates for the Permanent Diaconate Program, all students in the School of Theological Studies, and others from the greater Catholic community.

Temple University Newman Center

Philadelphia, Pa.

“FOCUS Mission Team”

$60,000

To fund the second year of a two-year grant to reestablish the presence of a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) Mission Team on Temple’s campus that supports the Newman Center’s outreach with Catholic students.

Saint Francis de Sales School

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Helping Our Children to Compete in This Century”

$25,000

To purchase 57 iPads that will assist both advanced and struggling students in Grades 2 and 3 achieve greater results in reading, math, and English comprehension.

Roman Catholic High School for Boys

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Multimedia Learning Lab”

$80,000

To support the World Languages Department’s strategic plan to advance academic rigor and increase individual fluency in foreign languages with specialized software, associated instructor equipment, and 35 student stations.

Hope Partnership for Education

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Hope Digital Library Project”

$68,500

To provide desktop, laptop, SMART board, cabling, and other technology for students enrolled in Hope’s middle school, graduate support program, and adult education school.

Office of Catholic Education (OCE)-Enrollment Management

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Latino/Hispanic Initiative”

$25,000

To increase the enrollment of Latino/Hispanic students across Archdiocese of Philadelphia elementary and secondary schools through the implementation of the Madrinas Model for ministry to Hispanic populations.

Drexel Neumann Academy

Chester, Pa.

“LabLearner Science Education Program”

$75,000

To provide PreK-8 students with the research-based, comprehensive, hands-on LabLearner science education system consisting of research-grade lab equipment, furniture, storage, curriculum integration, and teacher training.

Office of the Archbishop of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pa.

“Special-Purpose Funding”

$50,000

To provide funding for the Archbishop’s discretionary use throughout the archdiocese.