The Archdiocese of Chicago and the Catholic colleges and universities of the Chicago metropolitan area will again collaborate in a tuition assistance program for selected lay employees of the Archdiocese and for lay employees of high schools owned and operated by religious congregations in the Archdiocese.

Academic Year 2008-2009

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this program is to provide lay staff with the opportunity to complete essential academic requirements for meeting critical Archdiocesan needs.  The program offers on-going assistance to the individual until completion of their course of studies, provided the candidate maintains satisfactory academic achievement and meets other program requirements.  Participants in this program agree to provide three years of service to an Archdiocesan parish, school, or agency following completion of his/her studies.

FOR WHOM:

All full-time and benefits-eligible part-time lay employees of the Archdiocese, who have completed three years of service (note: change from previous “one year” requirement) may apply.  Lay employees of high schools owned and operated by religious congregations are also eligible to apply.  Funding is limited.  Scholarships awarded based on need and availability of funds.

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:

• College of St. Francis 

• Lewis University

• Benedictine University

• DePaul University

• Loyola University 

• Catholic Theological Union

• Dominican University

• Saint Xavier University (Field-based Masters Excluded)

DEGREES/CLASSES ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING:

• Masters Degrees

• Bachelors Degrees (only if candidate already has an associate’s degree or minimum of 60 hours towards the B.A. degree.) 

• Classes towards earning a certification (e.g, Type 75) or meeting a specific need (e.g., a second language)

WHAT ARE “CRITICAL ARCHDIOCESAN NEEDS”?

The Chicago Archdiocese has identified the following as its most critical needs. The selection committee will give priority to employees engaged in studies to meet these needs:

• catechesis of children and adults

• ministers from African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Polish-immigrant communities

• teachers and principals, especially those serving inner city schools

• liturgical ministers

AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE:

This tuition assistance program will provide up to 2/3 of the tuition cost for the candidate (1/3 paid by the Archdiocese and 1/3 waived by the college/university).   The Archdiocesan contribution will not exceed $3,000 per year (approximately) or the equivalent of six courses (18 credit hours) per academic year.  The candidate assumes roughly 1/3 of the tuition cost. Other restrictions may apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications are available from your pastor, principal, or agency director.  Applications may also be requested from the Lay Ministry Formation Office, University of St. Mary of the Lake, 1000 E. Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060, 847-837-4504, (mdeichl@usml.edu). Completed applications are due no later than May 1, 2008.

PROCESS OF SELECTION:

A committee will screen all applications and prioritize those applications based on Archdiocesan needs and the financial need of the applicant. Applicants will be notified of selection by the end of June, 2008. Application to the college or university is a separate process and should be done prior to, or concurrently with, the application for this tuition assistance.