Casa Romero // Computer Lab // P&E Scholarship Fund

Beginning in the late 1980’s, the parish gave small scholarships to students involved in the community and attending colleges or private high schools. Through the years, the effort has evolved into scholarships supporting students involved in volunteer service in the northern sector of the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Students must submit a written application, then take part in an interview with a panel of judges drawn from parish, neighborhood, and business leaders.

At the close of the 2005 scholarship effort, the parish opted to broaden the input and impact of the program by turning to the Peace and Education Coalition of New City/Back of the Yards for the sponsorship of the fund.

With the support of local and government leaders, the fund gave over $60,000 in 2010 to 58 college and university students, and 14 attending private high schools. All showed volunteer involvement in the neighborhood during the past year, including service at the Food Pantry, tutoring, mentoring, and more.

63 college students in volunteer service to the community have applied for the 2011 grant. Judging interviews will be held on June 7-9, and awards granted on June 19.