The purpose of this initiative is to provide Catholic Schools in mission dioceses with training and resources to attract and serve Latino students more effectively.
Catholic Extension Society has partnered with the University of Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) to offer the Latino Enrollment Initiative training to school administrators in your diocese. This agreement covers the cost to participate in the Institute, including up to $1,200 of the associated travel expenses. Participating schools will only pay for any remaining travel fees and less than 40% of the registration fee.
The Latino Enrollment Initiative is designed for schools that have identified their unmet capacity for enrolling new Latino students. The program consists of a summer workshop at Notre Dame for the school principal and one other staff/faculty member. A third spot is reserved if the pastor of each eligible school is interested in attending. ACE will provide each school an LEI mentor that will work with the school leader throughout the year, answering questions as they arise and facilitating a close community of learners among the group through monthly video conference calls and online modules. The ACE program also will convene a mid-year educational workshop for participating principals. After completing the institute, ACE staff members will assess the responsiveness at each school and annually monitor enrollment figures.
Participants will learn effective practices and strategies for:
- Recruitment and retention of Latino students
- Becoming aware of the cultural nuances of working with Hispanic communities
- Developing culturally sustaining classrooms
- Understanding the common barriers that Latino students face with Catholic schools.
After completing the program, participating schools will be in a position to enroll a markedly higher percentage of Latino students compared to the period before the program began as well as better address the needs of current Latino students enrolled in the school.
Duration: 4 day in person program, including a year of mentorship and support
Dates: June 22-25, 2025
Overall value to Participating Diocese: $4,400 (per school)
Documents
Latino Enrollment Initiative Guidelines
To Apply
- Read and review the Latino Enrollment Initiative Guidelines, linked above.
- Complete the online application form by the deadline of March 31, 2025.
For More Information
Contact Erika Cedrone, Assistant Vice President of Mission, at 617.817.2907 or ecedrone@catholicextension.org.