Catholic Spirit Features New Aim Higher President, Ricky Austin

“For Ricky Austin, president of Aim Higher Foundation in St. Paul, Catholic school education is a vital component of the Church’s longevity — and something all children should have access to, regardless of a family’s economic status.

Those convictions are what drive the 39-year-old convert to Catholicism as he takes the helm of a foundation that awards $1,000 scholarships to children in families with demonstrated financial need who wish to attend Catholic schools. . .

Ricky Austin has served the Aim Higher Foundation since May 2017.

. . . “There are too many children that don’t have access to a great Catholic education,” Austin said. “And yet, in each of those communities, there are Catholic schools with empty seats. Data shows time and time again, they’re more effective at educating disadvantaged children. In fact, the more disadvantaged a child is, the more Catholic school has an impact on them. And yet there’s a problem — they cost money. How is it that we can ensure Catholic schools are accessible to every family regardless of their household income?”

Read more in the Catholic Spirit: New Aim Higher president brings passion to Catholic scholarship efforts

New Aim Higher president brings passion to Catholic scholarship efforts

About the Aim Higher Foundation
The Aim Higher Foundation provides student-based, tuition-assistance scholarships so that more children in the twelve-county metro area can experience the life-changing benefits of a Catholic education at one of the Archdiocese’s 82 schools serving grades K-8. Since 2012, the foundation has awarded more than 14,000 scholarships worth over $12 million to students to attend a Catholic school.

The Aim Higher Foundation’s signature event, the Night of Light, will take place on October 7, 2022. Learn more at https://nightoflight.info