Anonymous Donor Provides Scholarship Money for Four Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, four Catholic schools will soon benefit from St. John Paul II STAR Student tuition assistance, through scholarships available now.

STAR stands for Student Tuition Assistance Resource. The donor has specified that funding will initially serve students at Butler Catholic School in Butler, Holy Sepulcher School in Glade Mills, St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights, and St. Wendelin School in Carbon Center.

“Please join me in expressing deep gratitude to this Catholic business leader who wants today’s students to receive the same stellar education and formation in the faith that he benefited from in Catholic school. His spirituality was profoundly influenced by Pope John Paul II, and he wants the STAR Student scholarships to honor him,” Bishop David Zubik said.

“This generous donor approached us with a desire to help students and increase enrollment in regions where he has close ties. He views this important gift as a beginning and hopes to eventually expand STAR Student scholarship opportunities to other schools in the diocese.

This scholarship opportunity is in addition to assistance that students may currently receive from the Bishop’s Education Fund, Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) scholarships or other subsidies and tuition assistance.

Families are encouraged to contact the four schools as soon as possible to apply for the scholarships. More information can be found on the Diocese of Pittsburgh website:  https://diopitt.org/star-student.

Applicants will be interviewed by an admissions coordinator, who will guide them through the process. Families do not need to qualify as low-income, but must show financial need, while still contributing toward tuition.

Both Catholics and non-Catholics can receive STAR Student scholarships, but need to demonstrate commitment to some faith tradition.  Parents or guardians must agree to support the student’s spiritual and academic development, in part through registration and active participation in and support of their parish or faith community. The student must similarly demonstrate commitment to academic progress and show evidence of good character. They must participate in at least one activity at their parish or other faith community.

 “The St. John Paul II Star Student will make a life-changing difference for students, their families and for these school communities,” said Michelle Peduto, director of Catholic Schools. “This gift helps the students right now and will strengthen these schools for the generation to come.”