More Scholarships! Another Year Closer to Achieving a Long-Standing Goal

Nearly seven years ago, as the Aim Higher Foundation completed an overhaul of its scholarship programs (back then referred to as our “grant program”), we relied on several key tenants which ultimately became our “animating principles.” First and foremost was that the scholarships would be student-based. That is, we would make decisions about the scholarships based on the student and their families’ circumstances. Second, the scholarship would follow the student from kindergarten through 8th grade. And third, that the scholarship program would be a “growing fund.” In other words, we would do everything we could to ensure each year one more child than the year before received a scholarship.

In the following year, our Board of Directors rightly pushed our team to put a number on that last principle. How many kids? What is our goal? As I sit in the Aim Higher Foundation office today, reflecting on those early days in the warm glow of unexpected sunlight coming through the windows, I am filled with gratitude and excitement to share some wonderful news with you. When I began working for this incredible mission in 2017, we were awarding a little more than 700 scholarships each year. As of this past Tuesday, I am thrilled to announce that for the school year 2024-2025, our board has approved our largest number of scholarships yet: 2,550!

Ricky Austin is the president of the Aim Higher Foundation

This number represents more than just figures in a strategic plan; it represents 2,550 children who will have access to a Catholic school. It's a number that speaks to our commitment not just to make tuition affordable, but to help children uncover the best version of themselves.

And to that question from many years ago, of how many children? We’re closer than ever. We set the three-year goal to grow to providing at least 2,800 children by the 2025-2026 school year.

Why 2,800? Because in the nearly 6,700 application we receive, 2,800 children qualify as “full need.” That is, according to our financial aid algorithm, those children's families shouldn't have the financial means to pay a dollar toward tuition. They all do, of course, but at great personal and financial sacrifice.

And so, while we celebrate this week’s milestone, we know our work is not done.

Thanks to you, our donors and friends, 2,550 children will have the opportunity to attend a Catholic school next year. With your continued support—through your donations, your championing of our cause, the introduction of our mission to your friends, and your attendance at our events—we can reach the 2,800.

And then we’ll keep going. Catholic schools provide an education second to none, and we won’t stop until they’re accessible to all children.