TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES

Catholic schools do not receive any government (state or federal) funding. The cost of educating a child is paid for primarily through tuition and fees. Fund-raising and parish subsidies help keep tuition below the cost of educating a child. Nevertheless, an average tuition of $3,500 is still beyond the means of many parents who desire a Catholic school education for their child. The Diocese of Stockton is committed to helping parents by providing student scholarships. For 2007-08, over $135,000 in scholarships were given to almost 103 students attending the Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Stockton.

Parents requesting tuition assistance for their children must complete an application form available online at https://www.tuitionaid.com/parent_login.asp or by completing and mailing in the paper form (available from the Catholic school to which they are applying). All tuition assistance forms, online or hard copy, must be completed and turned in by April 15 for the following school year (e.g., by April 15, 2008 for the 2008-09 school year). A contracted third-party (Tuition Aid Data Services / TADS) will review the data and make recommendations of tuition assistance to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Based on the funds available through the CHOICES endowment, SEEDS donations and the Adopt-A-Student program, the Superintendent will recommend to the SEEDS Board scholarship disbursements.

S E E D S

This is what we are about.

We plant the seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted, knowing they hold future promise.

(from the prayer of Archbishop Oscar Romero)

SEEDS provides children of all socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to receive a quality education in a safe environment. A Catholic education prepares them to succeed in life and be contributing members of our community. Once a child receives a SEEDS scholarship, that child will continue to receive a scholarship as long as they remain in a Catholic elementary school in the Stockton Diocese, and as long as there is family economic need for the scholarship in order for the child to attend a Catholic elementary school.

SEEDS is an independent, nonprofit organization made up of concerned community leaders that provides tuition assistance to the elementary schools in the Diocese of Stockton. For the 2007-08 school year, SEEDS distributed $90,900 to 103 students attending 10 Catholic elementary schools in the Stockton Diocese.

To find out more about how you can help a deserving child receive a Catholic school education, please contact the Catholic Schools Office at 1105 N. Lincoln St., Stockton, CA 95203.

“Investing in SEEDS is an investment in the future of the Church. It is through education and faith formation of our children that we can hope for a future that builds justice from love and through justice, peace.” Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop of Stockton.

ADOPT – A – STUDENT

In addition to partial scholarships based on need, the SEEDS Board also provides the opportunity for donors to fully fund a child’s entire tuition for a year. The cost of tuition for a year is $3,500. During the 2007-08 school year, 10 of our neediest students are being fully funded by generous donors. To find out more about how you can participate in the Adopt-A-Student program, please contact the Catholic Schools Office at 1105 N. Lincoln St., Stockton, CA 95203.

 Last Update October 23, 2007