Report highlights academic growth and major investments in Catholic education
Uniondale, NY—Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation (THF) has released an Impact Report highlighting two years of investment and growth in Catholic elementary education on Long Island through the Morning Star Initiative (MSI), a joint effort between THF, the Marianists, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Department of Education, to revitalize the region’s Catholic grade schools.
Guided by MSI’s Four Pillars of Academic Excellence, a Robustly Catholic Culture, Safe and Supportive Communities, and Fiscally Sustainable Schools, Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation has raised more than $3.5 million from Long Island’s top Catholic education funders, including a $1 million leadership gift from Michael Pascucci, a Long Island-based businessman and philanthropist who credits his success to his Catholic education. Philanthropic support has provided the resources needed to fund scholarships, academic programs, local school needs, and other initiatives that yielded sharp improvements in math and reading levels, technology infrastructure, and enrollment in the 2021-22 academic year.
“Since MSI first launched, we have strengthened the academic rigor in our schools and stabilized enrollment despite the challenges that COVID-19 and the economy have presented. Without donor support, our success to date would never have been possible,” said Bro. Tom Cleary, Chief Revitalization Officer, MSI.
Enrollment continued to rebound in the 2022-23 academic year at MSI pilot school, Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLG) with campuses in Deer Park and Central Islip, Long Island. Pilot initiatives at OLG include dual-language and free after-care programs, attracting an additional 100 students this year. With continued donor support, the MSI Team aims to build on this successful model by bringing these programs to other schools across Long Island to help increase Catholic elementary enrollment over the coming years.
“Thanks to supporters of the Morning Star Initiative, Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation has made vital long-term investments in not only scholarship support, but academic enhancements, technology, marketing, and so much more to help revitalize our Catholic elementary schools. As the 501(c)(3) partner supporting MSI, Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation is proud to help ensure these programs are here to stay,” said Ismini Scouras, Executive Director, Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation.
###
The mission of Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation is to ensure the excellence as well as the continuance of Catholic Schools on Long Island by increasing awareness and by providing scholarship and program funding for the needs of students and schools.