The Ryan Foundation establishes Scholarship Fund with the Archdiocese of Omaha

The Ryan Foundation committed $450,000 to the Archdiocese of Omaha in December 2020. The gift is intended to establish a scholarship fund in honor of Eileen and Dr. Ryan to be referred to as the “Eileen and Wayne Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund.” The fund will assist lower income individuals with the cost of attending catholic schools in Omaha and the surrounding region.

The Archdiocese of Omaha serves, supports, and advances a diverse, progressive, and expanding school system of 71 schools, rich in the tradition of deep Catholic identity and high expectations. There are currently 20,000 students enrolled in 71 schools across 23 Nebraska counties. These school communities provide sustainable Christ-filled classes and service opportunities while aiming to teach the whole child and encourage them to pursue personal and academic excellence. Students are taught to be loving and engaged citizens as they contribute to their civic and church communities.

Dr. Ryan and Eileen have always supported Catholic education. This donation is a continuation of that support.

$250,000 of the dedicated fund will be used to support the ten Nebraska elementary schools where more than 30% of the student body qualifies for Free and Reduced Lunch. The schools receiving support are: Sacred Heart School, All Saints Catholic School, St. Peter and Paul, Holy Name School, Jesuit Academy, St. Philip Neri, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Thomas More, St. Bernadette, and St. Augustine Indian Mission School (in Winnebago). The remaining $200,000 of the fund will be used to assist ten or more students with the cost of attending an Omaha area Catholic high school over a four-year period.

To learn more about the Archdiocese of Omaha schools, please visit their website.