June 5, 2007

Catholic High School Tuition Aid Program Approved

As part of the Diocese of Buffalo’s strategic planning process and ongoing Catholic education restructuring, a needs-based tuition aid program for students attending any of the six former diocesan high schools has been approved by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec. Beginning in September 2009, families that demonstrate financial need will be eligible to apply for the assistance.

Between $750,000 and $1 million will be available for needs-based tuition assistance among the six schools.

Bishop Kmiec said, “This program represents a new chapter of diocesan partnership and investment in Catholic secondary education, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to these high schools and their families. We have worked extensively with school officials to develop this tuition assistance program that will further solidify the standing of these high schools as centers that provide outstanding, affordable secondary Catholic education for our young people.”

The Catholic High School Tuition Aid Program (CHSTAP) will utilize each school’s existing tuition aid process so parents will not be required to fill out additional applications. Tuition aid decisions will continue to be made at the discretion of local high school officials.

The Catholic high schools taking part in the program are: Archbishop Walsh (Olean); Bishop Timon-St. Jude (Buffalo); Cardinal O’Hara (Tonawanda); Niagara Catholic (Niagara Falls); Notre Dame (Batavia); and St. Mary’s (Lancaster).

- 30 -