This recruitment season recently brought the Foundation to Chicago, where we had the opportunity to visit two longtime partner schools, Providence St. Mel and Christ the King Jesuit College Prep. While this was not a new recruitment region for the Foundation, it was a meaningful return. In fact, one recent graduate, Mya Braggs (our first scholar from Christ the King) graduated from DePaul University in Spring 2025 and is now thriving in her employment at Goldman Sachs in Chicago.
The visit was motivating and inspiring. Providence St. Mel welcomed us into a full classroom of juniors and seniors, giving students the chance to learn about the scholarship opportunity and ask questions. Before the day was over, an application had already been submitted and more arrived soon after. At Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, we shared updated materials and connected with school partners. We’re already seeing new interest from prospective applicants.
This year’s recruitment season is off to a strong start. The Foundation currently has 14 applicants and we’re already outpacing last year’s pace, when there were 11 applicants at this point and 28 total by the end of the cycle. Because many students finalize applications after reviewing college financial aid packages, we anticipate surpassing 30 applicants this year.
What type of student is a good match for the Foundation? We’re seeking students who are academically qualified and committed to continuing to change the trajectory of their lives and create opportunities for others. Our mission enthusiastically supports students who are ready to grow, lead, and give back to their communities.
Providence St. Mel’s story is a powerful reminder of what that spirit looks like in action. In 1978, Principal Paul J. Adams III was told by the Archdiocese of Chicago that the school would close. He refused to let that happen, transforming Providence St. Mel into an independent school that continues to thrive more than four decades later. It endures with a passion to prepare its students for admission to the nation’s best colleges and universities.
We are grateful for the warm welcome in Chicago and excited about the promising applicants emerging from these schools. The future of the Foundation’s Scholar community continues to grow stronger as we transform lives through the spirit of Sister Thea.
Joe Barker II
Executive Director