THE GLOBE
PO BOX 5079 (51102)
1825 JACKSON ST.
SIOUX CITY, IA (51105)
712.255.2550
800.352.9035
WWW.CATHOLICGLOBE.ORG

Applications now accepted for tuition assistance

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
(Email Renee)

The Diocese of Sioux City’s school tuition foundation recently wrapped up its most successful fundraising campaign ever, raising more than $1.91 million in 2009.

Now efforts turn toward the application process which helps determine how those dollars are distributed in the form of tuition grants.

Marilyn Wellman, diocesan accountant, said application forms for tuition assistance are available at Catholic schools.

“Some schools make up registration packets and put the tuition forms in there,” she said. “They may also apply online.”

To apply online, go to www. Fairapt.com. This is the fourth year that families seeking any form of tuition assistance are asked to complete an application through FAIR (Financial Aid Independent Review, Inc.), a third party provider. Through this one form, application is made for tuition grants from the Msgr. Lafferty Tuition Foundation, the Catherine Birzle Education Trust and any local school assistance programs.

Application through FAIR has been compared to FAFSA, which some may be familiar with when applying for college financial aid. Much like that, in order to complete the form, persons must have completed their taxes for 2009.

The third-party provider, FAIR, calculates the tuition grants on several factors such as family income, family size, the number of students in Catholic schools and the cost of tuition.

In the case of the Msgr. Lafferty Tuition Foundation, the state sets specific income criteria for qualification of tuition grants.

“If you don’t qualify for Msgr. Lafferty, you may qualify for other local assistance,” said Wellman, who added, though, that not all schools have additional assistance funds. Schools set the criteria for their local assistance programs and in many cases middle income families have received tuition grants.

Catherine Birzle money is awarded to high school students with financial needs who do not receive awards from Msgr. Lafferty. Birzle dollars typically are awarded to students at each high school, with dollars divided up based on school enrollment.

Lisa Niebuhr, development director at Gehlen Catholic Schools in Le Mars, said that according to the numbers provided by FAIR one out of every two Gehlen students was eligible for financial aid.

“We hope that families will apply again this year because there are more dollars available,” she said.

Encourages all to apply
With so many changes in the economy, Niebuhr said they want to make sure that everyone who is available for financial aid receives it. They also want to make sure that Governor Chet Culver and the legislators are well informed about the importance of Msgr. Lafferty and all school tuition organizations in the state.

Dawn Prosser, development director at St. Mary’s School in Storm Lake, said in this current school year 48 percent of their students are receiving tuition assistance.

She noted that when the Msgr. Lafferty Tuition Foundation was first established about four years ago they were somewhat “slow” in realizing what an impact that it would have on the families, the schools and the donors who receive huge tax benefits.

“It is truly amazing how helpful it is,” Prosser said. “We are very grateful for people’s generosity as they help family’s have a faith-based education.”

For more information about the affordability of a Catholic school education, contact your local Catholic school principal, development director or school business manager. Individuals may also seek information through the Office of Education at the diocese.

Like Wellman, Ryan would encourage families to apply for assistance.

“Very many times, families are surprised when they do qualify for assistance,” he said. “If a family is not sure that they can afford a Catholic education or if they are having economic difficulties, I would strongly encourage them to apply.”

Niebuhr said at Gehlen they are encouraging all families to apply for assistance.

“Last year we were surprised at the number of families who said they didn’t think they were eligible,” she said. If they just take the time to fill out an application, Niebuhr said many are pleasantly surprised that they receive assistance. “If you think you are not available, apply anyway because you never know. Every family in this economy needs it and this year more than ever I would like to see a larger number of families apply and the program benefiting more people.”

Prosser noted that in Storm Lake, the schools finance director has commented that people are surprised when they realize how much aid they can receive. She added that some people are afraid that they might be taking money away from others who may need it more, but as Prosser explained, that’s why the diocese has opted to go with FAIR for processing the aid.

“I know that our finance director has worked diligently, encouraging people to fill out the FAIR form and she will help them if they need it,” she said. “We also have Spanish forms, if they need Spanish.”

There is a $21 fee to apply.

Wellman reminded those who online, that they must still mail in their tax return and any supporting documents to the FAIR office in Minneapolis. Applications cannot be processed until documentation is received.

The deadline to apply is April 1.