This year's Catholic School Week is proving to be especially rewarding for the archdiocesan high schools. On Monday, February 1, twelve schools received word from the Academic Enrichment Program sponsored by the Connelly Foundation and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, that they are the recipients of $1.5 million. The twelve schools will receive grants ranging from $75,000 to $200,000.

The Academic Enrichment Program benefits the 22 Archdiocesan high schools and Mercy Vocational High School. Schools are invited to submit proposals of their own priority and design that introduce, enhance or expand programs that help students grow academically. This is the second year of the three-year $4 million grant program. Financing is comprised of $2.4 million from the Connelly Foundation, $1 million from the Archdiocese and the balance to be realized by each participating school's contribution of 15 percent of its proposal budget. Last year's recipients received $1 million, this year's recipients $1.5 million, and $1.5 million is scheduled for the final year.

Josephine C. Mandeville, President of the Connelly Foundation, said, "This collaboration certainly demonstrated the commitment of the innovative administrators and faculties who continually strive to provide enriched learning opportunities to their students. Because the schools are challenged by financial constraints, the Academic Enrichment Program rewards strategic planning and vision. The Connelly Foundation enthusiastically participates with the Archdiocese to support this value- added approach."

Monsignor Philip J. Cribben, Secretary for Catholic Education, said, "Once again, through the generosity of the Connelly Foundation, our schools are able to pursue their quest for academic excellence and bring to fruition their many hopes and dreams."

Of 19 proposal requests, twelve 1999 grants have been awarded and the recipients were notified on February 1, 1999:

Little Flower High School, Philadelphia, PA - $75,000
To enhance student and faculty research and learning capacity in all disciplines via the installation of a state-of-the-art library/information center.


Cardinal O'Hara High School, Springfield, PA - $75,000
Toward acquisition of technology in support of the program, "Laptops for Connected Learners"

Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, PA - $75,000
To enhance the English curriculum and utilization of Writer's Solution via the installations of multimedia technology in English classrooms

Saint Hubert High School, Philadelphia, PA - $80,000
To enhance the English and Science curriculum through the use of technology and continued faculty professional development toward integrating computer assisted learning into the curriculum

St. Pius X High School, Pottstown, PA - $90,000
To provide for greater student access across the curriculum via a new multi-discipline computer lab and increased technology available in the Library/Media center

Lansdale Catholid High School, Lansdale, PA - $105,000
To enhance student and faculty access and research and learning capacity across all disciplines via the installation of a multimedia center and acquisition of mobile workstations

Saint Maria Goretti High School, Philadelphia, PA - $140,000
Toward the installation of a Business Technology lab that will prepare students for Microsoft certification at proficiency and expert levels

Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia, PA - $150,000
Toward the Medical Technology Suite to complement the Medical Careers Health Academy


Northeast Catholic High School, Philadelphia, PA - $150,000
To enhance three areas of the Fine Arts Program, namely, visual arts, musical arts and theater/audio-visual with technology and upgraded equipment

Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote, PA - $180,000
Support for the implementation of The Writer's Resource Center designed to improve writing skills across the curriculum

Saint John Neumann High School, Philadelphia, PA - $180,000
Support of NEUMANNVISION, a project dedicated to enhancing curriculum through technology, via the establishment of a multi-educational resource and learning center

Archbishop Ryan High School, Philadelphia, PA - $200,000
Toward the creation of technology centers within classrooms in each discipline to broaden curriculum and facilitate cooperative and collaborative learning methods

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Editor's Note: For information on the individual high schools, contact Marie Kelly. Archdiocesan press releases can be found on our website at www.archdiocese-phl.org

Contact
Marie Kelly
Associate Director
215-587-3747