CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
Chicago's Catholic schools educate a large proportion of students of color from low-income families and remain an important source of diverse students who are highly motivated and college-ready. Catholic School Initiatives provides a coordinated and strategic outreach effort for DePaul's many relationships with Chicago's Catholic high schools.
- Office of Catholic Schools provides direct service to school communities in furthering the mission of Catholic schools and achieving the goals of the strategic management process for Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. DePaul partners with OCS by hosting Catholic high school students in the College Connect program, providing professional development for counselors and hosting an annual symposium to help schools strategically plan market and mission strategies to support enrollment.
- Big Shoulders Fund provides support to Catholic schools in the neediest areas of Chicago. One hundred percent of the funds raised are used to support students through scholarships, special education programs, instructional equipment, much needed school facility improvements, faculty support, and operating grants. DePaul partners with Big Shoulders schools by hosting student events and professional development programs for teachers and administrators.
- Cristo Rey Network is a national association of high schools that provides quality Catholic college preparatory education in communities with limited educational options. Schools utilize a longer school day and year, and require students to participate in work-study to help meet the cost of their education. DePaul is a founding university partner with Cristo Rey. Through this partnership, DePaul has supported Cristo Rey through activities such as providing high school achievement data for students enrolled in Cristo Rey schools, hosting student events and professional development programs for teachers and administrators and providing office space for the Cristo Rey Network's national office.
