The Ryan Foundation Supports Catholic Education with Donation to Lourdes Central Catholic
The Ryan Foundation recently donated $1,850,000 to Lourdes Central Catholic School of Nebraska City in July of 2022.
Lourdes Central Catholic School was established under the guidance of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln in 1960. In 2011, supporters provided much needed facility additions and improvements to the middle school and high school through a $10 million dollar capital campaign. Lourdes Central Catholic has experienced many changes over the years but has remained faithful to its strong religious and academic traditions. Today, Lourdes Central Catholic School includes grades preschool through twelve, and enrollment fluctuates between 310-360 students. The school is supported by nine parishes in Auburn, Avoca, Julian, Nebraska City, Paul, Plattsmouth, Syracuse, and Peru, Nebraska. Lourdes is an accredited school and member of the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). The past six years, through strategic planning and the dedication of the school community, Lourdes remains focused on long-term sustainability and building on their traditions, strengths, and communion as the “Lourdes Family.” The mission of Lourdes Central Catholic School is to assist parents in the development of their children by providing a Christ-centered environment that promotes spiritual, academic, and social growth to prepare students for active participation in the Church, in their families, and in society.
The purpose of this Donation is to establish a scholarship fund to ensure Catholic education is accessible to all students who seek one at Lourdes Central Catholic School. The scholarship fund would assist students who demonstrate a financial need and help bridge the gap between what families receive from the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund and the cost of tuition. Currently, families who apply for tuition assistance and are at or below 225% of the federal poverty level. The scholarship funds will allow families with students at 300% or less of the federal poverty level and those experiencing a temporary hardship to apply for tuition assistance. The school is asking the Ryan Foundation to consider a donation of up to $400,000 annually. The proposed resolution considers support for the scholarship fund over a period of five years consisting of $350,000 in 2022, $360,000 in 2023, $370,000 in 2024, $380,000 in 2025, and $390,000 in 2026. The increasing commitment will help cover an anticipated 3% annual tuition increase, and a 10% targeted annual increase in enrollment. This five-year commitment will allow Lourdes to execute upon their five-year strategic plan adopted by the organization in 2021. This strategic plan aims to grow enrollment, create a tuition assistance fund, increase fundraising initiatives, and achieve a balanced budget.
For more information about Lourdes Central Catholic School of Nebraska City, please visit their website.
