Initiated in 1994, this program acknowledges the tremendous impact of Philadelphia parish elementary schools in developing students’ gifts, talents and potential. Four-year tuition grants help these students continue their Catholic education at an Archdiocesan high school of their choice or Mercy Vocational High School. The four-year grant covers 33% of tuition. For the 2008-09 school year, the award amount is $1,605.
- Currently 555 students are receiving four-year
tuition grants
- Each year a new group of approximately 160 eighth grade students is chosen for this distinguished honor
Achievement can be defined in many ways. Specific criteria are left to parish committees that select recipients who best demonstrate the value of Catholic education and who strive to achieve their fullest academic potential. The Foundation’s intent
is to provide an opportunity for every eligible
student to compete for this special award.
From 1994 – 2008 there have been 1,523 graduates of the Josephine C. Connelly Achievement Awards Program. Some of their accomplishments include:
- 21% of the students ranked within the top twenty students in their class
- 32% of the students achieved First Honors
- 26% of the students achieved Second Honors
- 41% of the students held a job while attending high school
- 98% of the students participated in service oriented programs in their schools and communities
- 73% of the students were involved in extra-curricular activities
- 100% of the students graduated from high school
Josephine C. Connelly Honors Scholars
The Foundation rewards Josephine C. Connelly Achievement Awards students who meet Honors Scholars Selection Criteria with an increased tuition grant beginning in their junior year. For more information please visit the JCC Honors Scholars page.