The Catholic-Inner-City Schools Education Fund was established in 1980 by the late Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin. With the idea that education is the best way to break the cycle of poverty, CISE was established as a ministry to children in poor neighborhoods as a means for overcoming their unique challenges by giving them knowledge, discipline and faith that are the cornerstones of Catholic Education.

Today, CISE provides a broad scope of support to the schools. Most importantly, funding from CISE makes a quality Catholic education affordable for families in need. Once in the schools, the children receive an excellent faith-based education consisting of discipline, strong curriculum and caring individual attention. CISE provides money to help with tuition costs, academic enrichment programs, operating expenses, intervention professionals and capital improvements.

CISE serves a diverse population of 1,400 students in grades K-8 at eight urban Catholic schools as well as 235 CISE alumni attending local Catholic high schools. Most through scholarships funded by targeted donations from supporters of CISE.

In 2006, the CISE schools began serving children receiving Ohio EdChoice vouchers. More than 400 voucher students are enrolled for the 2008-2009 academic year.

The Need for Funding

Tuition and support from the parishes, which have limited ability to provide funding due to the economic status of their parishioners, do not provide sufficient operating funds. Therefore, a subsidy of over $1 million annually is provided to these schools by the archdiocese. While it is the largest single item in the archdiocesan budget, it is not enough to keep the schools in operation, hence the need for CISE.

CISE is funded through the generosity of individuals, corporations and Foundations who share in the opinion that a quality education is vital to providing underprivileged children with hope for a brighter future. Eighty-two percent of all CISE students live below the poverty level and could not afford a Catholic school education without help from others.

Success

Research shows that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have a far greater chance to succeed in Catholic schools than anywhere else. Locally, disadvantaged students thrive in the Catholic inner-city schools thanks to a caring environment created by dedicated principals, faculty, and staff. The CISE schools offer an excellent educational program emphasizing values, achievement, and self-discipline. The results are impressive—during the past three years alone, around 95% of CISE students at area Catholic high schools have graduated.

Eighty-eight percent have gone on to college or technical schools. This group enrolled in colleges such as Vassar, The United States Military Academy at West Point, Xavier, The University of Cincinnati and many others.