April 24, 2007

Families encouraged to apply for tuition aid program

Applications are now being accepted by the Diocese of Buffalo for a new needs-based tuition aid program for Catholic and non-Catholic students registered at a parish-affiliated or a regional Catholic school in the Diocese of Buffalo. For the 2007-08 school year, awards of up to $500 will be provided to families through the Catholic Elementary School Tuition Aid Program (CTAP).

Any parent or guardian with a Kindergarten to eighth-grade student who is registered for the 2007-2008 academic year at a regional or parish-affiliated Catholic elementary school within the diocese is eligible to apply for CTAP. Families must demonstrate need for aid according to an Income Eligibility Scale to qualify for consideration.

David J. Kersten, executive director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, said, “The CTAP awards are made possible through The Catholic Elementary School Funding Plan adopted by the diocese and facilitated by the Foundation. Income for the plan will be generated from contributions from parishes without schools throughout the eight-county diocese.

“We are encouraging families to fill out and submit applications before next month’s deadline. The generosity of our parishes will allow us to make a significant number of awards, helping us to continue our mission of educating the whole child, teaching Gospel values and providing the best in Catholic education.”

Applications are available at all Catholic elementary schools and also can be downloaded from the Catholic schools’ Web site at www.wnycatholicschools.org/clientuploads/CTAP0708.pdf

Applications must be postmarked by May 15. Families will be notified by mail if they did or did not qualify for a CTAP award by July 13.

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