Bishop Walkowiak announces $1 million in COVID-19 tuition assistance for Catholic school families!

As Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids continue preparing for a safe return to school, Bishop David Walkowiak wants to make sure no student is left behind. He has announced up to $1 million in tuition assistance for returning and new families whose finances have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This tuition assistance is available for the 2020-21 school year. Families may apply at CatholicSchools4U.org.

Bishop Walkowiak is a strong supporter of Catholic school families and Catholic education. Every year, the diocese awards more than $500,000 in need-based scholarships to more than 1,000 students. This additional $1 million in COVID-19 tuition assistance is possible through diocesan savings. Healthy organizations maintain unrestricted savings for emergencies, and the diocese is no exception. Some people call this a rainy day fund. Bishop Walkowiak said, “I consider the challenges that have been brought on by the pandemic to be a rainy day for our parishes and for their families.”

Catholic school leaders, teachers, and families partnered for a strong finish in 2019-20, completing a full, 180-day academic year. As Catholic schools prepare to welcome students back, the financial impact of COVID-19 should not keep families from the benefits of Catholic education.

Bishop Walkowiak announced the $1 million in COVID-19 tuition assistance during a press conference on July 2. A video recording of the announcement is available on Google Drive at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8xcNaDXZavH8_f_32rNHnOpKy5uwEMd/view?usp=sharing.