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May 1, 2025Adopt-A-Student, a program that provides scholarships to eligible Catholic school students in the Diocese of Worcester, will be awarding double the amount of funds in the 2025-2026 academic year compared to last year, the steering committee announced.
There will be an increase from $125,000 to $250,000, bringing giving levels back up to pre-pandemic amounts, according to a press release. Adopt-A-Student provides scholarships to students of diocesan schools only – St. Peter Central Catholic Elementary School and St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School.
“On behalf of the Steering Committee, I am thrilled that we are able to increase the amount of scholarship dollars this year,” said Ed Connor, chair of the Adopt-A-Student steering committee. “The Adopt-A-Student program has been well run over the years, and we are fortunate to be able to help families in need that want to give their children the gift of a Catholic education.”
In the current academic year, there are 20 scholarship recipients (12 at Saint Paul and 8 at St. Peter). Scholarships are presented to students who are academically qualified and specifically seek an education in the tradition and environment of Catholic schools, “thus providing society with people of faith and strong moral values,” the press release stated.
David Perda, superintendent of Catholic schools, expressed gratitude for those who make the program possible.
“Thanks to the hard work of our Steering Committee and the generosity of individuals and organizations that support Catholic education, we are able to help more families attend our schools,” he said. “This is amazing and wonderful news. There are many deserving families and students.”
In 1988, Bishop Timothy J. Harrington, the third bishop of Worcester, stated in The Catholic Free Press that he had a dream. The dream was that the generosity of committed benefactors would help families demonstrating financial need to send their children to Catholic Schools. This dream materialized into the Adopt-A-Student program when the late William O’Brien became chairman of the program, and a steering committee was formed that same year.
Since then, the Adopt-A-Student program has awarded more than $4.3 million in grants and presented over 1,300 scholarships.
The program operates because of the generosity of supporters. Events are held to raise money each year.
This year the Bishop George Rueger Memorial golf tournament will be held at a new location – the Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton. Usually held in August, it has been moved to the spring and will be held on June 16. The day of golfing will include contests like “Closest-To-The-Pin” and “Hole-In-One” as well as a putting contest. The golf tournament is followed by a BBQ.
The Adopt-A-Student gala will be held on December 4.
“The two fund raising events make the scholarships possible,” said Susan Saucier, director of student financial aid for the Catholic Schools office. “If you care about Catholic education, please consider being a sponsor or attending the events.”
To be a sponsor, attend the events or for information visit adopt-a-student.net.