Issued: August 28, 2008

Contact: Bernadette Sugrue at (313) 237-5763

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The Skillman Foundation has awarded the Archdiocese of Detroit Office for Catholic Schools a grant of $160,000 to continue the development of "professional learning communities" for eight urban elementary schools.

 

In September 2006, supported by a total grant amount of $522,000 from the Skillman Foundation, the Archdiocese of Detroit City School Resource Team launched a three-year school enrichment program. The purpose of the program was to maximize learning opportunities for children growing up in conditions of poverty.

 

During the first year, baseline data was gathered on student achievement, concentrating on reading and math scores. The team measured parent satisfaction, helped form improvement teams at each Catholic school, and provided in-service training for administrators and teachers.

 

This $160,000 grant represents the final installment of funding for the third year of the enrichment program, which will focus on promoting best educational practices, increasing parental involvement, and developing individualized learning strategies for students.

 

The Archdiocese of Detroit City School Resource Team is comprised of Bernadette Sugrue and Sr. Joan Christie, OP.

 

Created in 1960, The Skillman Foundation is a private philanthropy whose chief aim is to help develop good schools and good neighborhoods for children. Though grants are made throughout southeast Michigan, most are directed at six Detroit neighborhoods: Southwest Detroit (Vernor and Chadsey/Condon), Brightmoor, Osborn, the Northend and Cody/Rouge. In addition, grants go toward innovative and successful schools throughout the city of Detroit.

 

The Archdiocese of Detroit currently has eight elementary and three high schools in Detroit, with student populations which are predominantly from low socio-economic backgrounds.

 

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