In celebration of its 40^th anniversary, the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) is increasing the amount of money it gives to students attending Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools, going from $1,200 to $1,500 in partial tuition assistance scholarships per child.

The increase, which was unanimously approved by the SFIC Board of Directors after it was proposed by Chairman Joseph J. Hughes, comes just two years after the last time the fund raised the sum it distributes. Also to commemorate its anniversary, the fund has set a new goal of offering 2,000 scholarships in the 2023-24 school year, which is 250 more scholarships than last year.

“This will make a significant difference for students in need of financial assistance for a quality education,” said Dr. Michelle L. Hartman, SFIC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Here at SFIC, everyone shares a genuine dedication and commitment to helping these students and their families.”

Beyond the scholarship increases, SFIC is expanding the number of events it typically holds in 2023. The fund recently hosted its first-ever Application Night, a gathering that drew many parents seeking help in navigating and completing scholarship applications. It will next hold its inaugural Irish American Leadership Breakfast on March 14, with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, as a special guest.

Additionally, SFIC is continuing its Torch of Learning campaign, a three-year initiative that aims to annually match the $150,000 the Archdiocese of Newark provides each year to students of the Catholic faith attending archdiocesan Catholic schools in Newark, Jersey City, East Orange, Union, and Fairview through its “We Are Living Stones” Catholic Tuition Assistance Program. Assuming it achieves its goal every year, the Torch of Learning campaign will raise a total of $450,000 over the course of its existence. Combining that with the monies donated by the Archdiocese, a total of $900,000 in scholarships will be distributed to 600 students.

Founded in 1983, the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children has provided more than $54 million in partial-tuition assistance to students from economically-disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds attending archdiocesan Catholic schools over its 40 years of existence. Its scholarships are based on need without regard to religion, gender, race, or ethnic background. To make a donation or learn more about SFIC, visit www.sficnj.org.

About the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children 

SFIC, founded in 1983 as the Fund for Educational Advancement, is a non-profit organization funded by corporations, foundations, and individual donors who wish to invest in the future of economically-disadvantaged children living in neighboring communities. The fund has provided more than $54 million in partial-tuition assistance to students from economically-disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds within Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Scholarships are based on need without regard to religion, gender, race, or ethnic background. Applicant families must be ready to provide proof of income and must intend to attend one of the schools within the four counties it serves.

About the Archdiocese of Newark

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. There are 212 parishes, 73 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries in the Archdiocese. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.