News Summary
Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids announces the Catholic Promise scholarship, aimed at reducing tuition costs from $13,000 to $6,000. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, this initiative is designed to support families and ensure access to Catholic education while indexed for inflation. Made possible by a philanthropic commitment from alumni Dan and Sherry Bowen, eligibility includes a household income of under $300,000 and good standing with a parish. This effort seeks to boost enrollment and enhance access to faith-based education.
Grand Rapids, MI – Catholic Central High School has unveiled the Catholic Promise scholarship, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making Catholic education significantly more affordable for families. The scholarship will reduce annual tuition from approximately $13,000 to $6,000 for those who qualify, addressing the financial barriers that many families face.
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the Catholic Promise will be indexed annually for inflation, ensuring that families continue to benefit from a lower tuition rate over time. To be eligible for the scholarship, families must have a household income of less than $300,000 and must be registered and in good standing at a parish within the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Applications for the Catholic Promise will open on November 1.
The Catholic Promise scholarship represents the single largest investment in Catholic high school education in the history of the Diocese of Grand Rapids and is made possible through a 10-year philanthropic commitment from alumni couple Dan and Sherry Bowen.
Addressing Rising Costs
Catholic Central President Greg Deja noted that the initiative is a direct response to the increasing costs of Catholic education, which have outpaced family incomes over the years. The introduction of the Catholic Promise is expected to bolster enrollment at the school, which currently serves 567 students—a number that has seen a steady decline in recent years.
The scholarship aims to ensure that future generations can access Catholic education that integrates faith with academic knowledge. Bishop David J. Walkowiak has expressed strong support for the scholarship, highlighting its role in making Catholic education more attainable for families while also emphasizing that the initiative is not a judgment on public schools.
Continued Support for Families
In addition to the Catholic Promise scholarship, the Diocese of Grand Rapids continues to offer other financial assistance options, including the Bishop’s Scholarship for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Current financial aid mechanisms will remain available to support families that may still find the $6,000 tuition threshold challenging to meet.
Additionally, the announcement of the Catholic Promise comes amidst a 7.23% growth in enrollment across the 31 Catholic schools within the Diocese since the onset of the pandemic. This growth indicates a renewed interest in Catholic education, and the scholarship aims to further this trend. Informational sessions about the scholarship will be organized for interested families, helping them understand the application process and eligibility requirements.
A Lasting Commitment to Catholic Education
The introduction of the Catholic Promise scholarship signifies a commitment to strengthening Catholic education in the Grand Rapids area, ensuring that it remains accessible to families and future generations. This initiative is both a response to financial challenges and a proactive measure to promote a faith-based educational environment.
The Catholic Promise scholarship is set to reshape the landscape of Catholic education in Grand Rapids, aiming to attract more students and provide a nurturing, faith-oriented learning experience.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 17 News
- Wikipedia: Catholic education
- MLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Catholic school
- Wood TV8
- Google Search: Catholic Promise scholarship
- MLive
- Google News: Catholic Promise
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
