Be an Angel to a student

These days, when all that seems to be in the news about parochial schools is the fact that many are closing, there is an organization quietly making a very real difference in the lives of parochial school students from all races and religions.
The Futures in Education Foundation was established to make the high-quality, values-centered education that Catholic schools provide, available to low-income families in Queens and Brooklyn through need-based scholarships and funding.
Through the foundation’s Be an Angel to a Student program, an individual or group can sponsor an at-risk student from a struggling family, allowing them to remain in their parochial school. Currently over 500 children are sponsored directly by donors, or Angels, who contribute $1,400 a year to a student’s tuition, usually for a four-year period. Angels receive cards and letters from their students along with progress reports and report cards.
The Angel program stands out among local charities for several reasons.
First, it is a one-on-one program; one sponsor, one student (though some donors generously assist several children.) Angels have the opportunity to meet their students personally at a group event or remain completely anonymous.
And, every dollar donated goes directly toward the cost of tuition. Nothing is removed for overhead or administrative costs.
The other aspect of the program that makes it unique is that the parents are also contributing. With the average tuition at $3,100 a year, families still have to come up with over half the tuition — even though many are living at the poverty level. The average income of families served by the program is $26,142 for a family of four.
Elizabeth Leonard, who manages the Angel program, says “Being an Angel is the definition of providing a helping hand, as opposed to a handout. Angels are helping those who are trying so desperately to help themselves and give their children a better life than they have had.”
Many Angels are individuals, while others are families, community groups, rotary clubs and religious orders. There is no limit to who can be an Angel. Those involved in the program have nothing but praise for the work being done. Robert, an Angel to two students says, “It is the best check I have ever written.”
These students are not only happy, they are also achieving academically despite their difficulties at home. While financial need remains the primary requirement of the Angel program, many students are accepted into some of New York City’s most prestigious private and public high schools — most with significant scholarships — and when they meet their goals, they invariably have their Angels to thank.
For more information about how you can help, contact Elizabeth Leonard at the Futures in Education Foundation at (718) 965-7300 ext. 1605, eleonard@diobrook.org or visit www.futuresineducation.org