Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, families who are new to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids will have access to Welcome Scholarships for their preschool and kindergarten students.
Up to $750 toward tuition
Welcome Scholarships are returning after last being offered in the 2018-19 school year. The Welcome Scholarship is available to every new preschool and kindergarten student who is registered in a parish in the diocese, has not received a Welcome Scholarship before, and does not have any siblings currently enrolled in any Catholic school in the diocese. New kindergarten students are eligible for $750 toward tuition in the 2021-22 school year. New students entering preschool in fall 2021 (including young 5’s and developmental kindergarten) are eligible for $250 toward tuition in each year of preschool, and the balance of the $750 when they enter kindergarten.
During this time when many families are still struggling due to the pandemic, families eligible for the Welcome Scholarship may designate it for tuition assistance for families in need at their school instead of applying it to their own tuition. The diocese awarded more than $870,000 in tuition assistance to Catholic school families affected by COVID-19 in the 2020-21 school year, on top of the more than $510,000 in need-based Bishop’s Scholarships awarded each year.
The scholarship announcement comes during Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 31 – Feb. 6, a nationwide event celebrating Catholic schools. More than 6,000 students attend the 31 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Related: Celebrate Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 31-Feb. 6
“We are eager to share the blessing of Catholic school education with every family who desires it,” said David Faber, superintendent of Catholic schools in the diocese. “The Welcome Scholarship encourages families to choose this life-giving education for their children right from the start.”
Application available soon
The Welcome Scholarship application will be available on CatholicSchools4U.org on Feb. 8. Other scholarships at the diocesan, parish, and school levels also support families’ investment in Catholic education, including need-based scholarships. Information about these scholarships is available at http://bit.ly/DOGRScholarships.
Choose Catholic school education for your family
Contact he Office of Catholic Schools at this link to learn about enrolling in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,000 preschool through 12th grade students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential.
