|
For immediate release: October 19, 2006
Contact: Margaret Dubuisson
504-592-5691
mdubuisson@archdiocese-no.org
BENEFACTOR ENABLES CATHOLIC CHARITIES HEAD START CHILDREN TO ATTEND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Eleven years ago, an anonymous benefactor approached Catholic Charities with the idea of funding two scholarships per year for children in Head Start Centers to be able to attend Catholic or private schools through 12th grade. This scholarship became known as the Providence Scholarship, and has made it possible for many children to receive quality education that their parents could not otherwise afford.
Many families left the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina, including several children who had received the scholarship for years. This year, the benefactor made the decision to increase the number of scholarships per year from two to eight in order to open the opportunity for more children and families who need help now more than ever.
Santos Mungia’s daughter, Kristen Padilla, starting her first year at St. Rita as a scholarship winner. Kristen, along with all of the other recipients, was chosen based on factors such as parental involvement and aptitude. Parents are able to choose which school their child attends and must pay 15% of the total tuition. Nearly all of the scholarship recipients are attending Catholic schools, such as St. Stephen and Xavier Prep.
Jasmine Martin, a 10th grader at De La Salle High School, has benefited from this scholarship for the longest amount of time. Her mother, Angelique Martin, considers it a blessing that her daughter has been able to receive a Catholic education for so many years.
“It is an important opportunity to give to the children who come to our four Head Start Centers,” Catholic Charities Early Childhood Education Administrator Gloria Cabrera said. “I am thankful we were able to distribute two scholarships to each of our centers this year.”
|
