West Catholic Preparatory High School Receives $500,000 Grant for Innovative Academic Support Program

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PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a significant boost to educational initiatives in West Philadelphia, the Connelly Foundation has awarded West Catholic Preparatory High School (WCPHS) a $500,000 grant for the 2024-2025 academic year. This generous contribution will fund the establishment of the De La Salle Academic Support Program, aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students through comprehensive renovations, cutting-edge technology, and personalized educational pathways.

The Connelly Foundation, known for its support of charitable organizations throughout the Philadelphia region, has identified WCPHS as a key partner in its mission to foster resilience and personal growth among young people. “The Connelly Foundation is pleased to partner with West Catholic Preparatory High School in the important work of the De La Salle Academic Support Program,” said Tom Riley, President of the Connelly Foundation. He highlighted the critical role the school plays in the community and its potential to positively impact students and families in West Philadelphia.

This funding will allow WCPHS to undertake significant improvements to its facilities, creating a dedicated space known as the Connelly Center for Academic Excellence. This center will feature four specialized classrooms, tutoring areas, and secluded spaces designed for targeted academic interventions and testing environments. These enhancements are part of the school’s broader effort to provide a holistic and adaptable education that meets the diverse needs of its student body.

Andrew Brady `02, President of WCPHS, expressed his gratitude for the foundation’s commitment. “I am grateful to the Connelly Foundation for its generosity and commitment to our school and advancing our mission of providing a quality Catholic education grounded in strong Lasallian values,” he said. Brady emphasized the program’s focus on customizing learning pathways to accommodate individual student needs, thereby preparing them to become independent leaders capable of navigating their futures.

The De La Salle Academic Support Program represents a forward-thinking approach to education, emphasizing the importance of individualized learning strategies in today’s increasingly complex world. By integrating state-of-the-art technology and innovative curriculum design, the program seeks to address the unique challenges and opportunities that students face, ensuring they are equipped with the skills necessary for success in both academic and personal endeavors.

WCPHS has a long history of serving the West and Southwest Philadelphia communities, dating back to its founding in 1916. The school’s commitment to Lasallian values, which emphasize respect for all individuals, community service, and social justice, has been a guiding principle in its educational philosophy. The partnership with the Connelly Foundation and the launch of the De La Salle Academic Support Program further demonstrate WCPHS’s dedication to these ideals, promising to enrich the educational landscape in Philadelphia for years to come.

As WCPHS prepares to implement the De La Salle Academic Support Program, the initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between philanthropic organizations and educational institutions. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a future where every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or learning style.

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