The Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024-2025 grants, which total $149,857.41. These grants will fund a variety of impactful programs aimed at enhancing K-12 education across the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). The primary focus of this year’s funding is on student mental health, technology improvements, and faith development, all of which are essential for fostering a holistic educational experience for students.
Commitment to Student Well-being and Success
Janet Lymer, Executive Director of CCEF, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to supporting Catholic education in meaningful ways:
“With increasing challenges, such as budget constraints and growing mental health needs, it’s vital to ensure students have access to the tools, resources, and spaces that allow them to thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
The grants aim to address urgent needs in several areas, ensuring that students at CCSD receive the support they need to succeed in both their academic and personal lives.
Key Areas of Investment
The 2024-2025 grants will benefit 46 schools within the Calgary Catholic School District, funding a range of initiatives that focus on three core areas:
Student Mental Health and Well-being:
One notable project is The Reset Room at Monsignor J.S. Smith School, designed to help students build resilience and emotional regulation skills. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on students’ overall well-being and their ability to succeed academically.
Classroom Technology:
Investments in interactive LOFT boards at schools like Our Lady of Fatima and St. Martha will enhance learning environments, providing students with dynamic, interactive tools to engage with curriculum materials in more impactful ways.
Faith Development:
Programs designed to nurture students’ faith journeys include Roots of Unity: To Know, To Love, To Serve at Christ the King School and A Sign of Christ at Monsignor Neville Anderson School. These religious retreats and faith-based initiatives aim to deepen students’ spiritual growth and understanding.
Additionally, St. Luke School will participate in the Campus Calgary/Open Minds® programs, which provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences, reinforcing the district’s commitment to holistic education that integrates academic, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Supporting Catholic Education
CCEF’s commitment to funding Catholic education is centered around creating spaces where faith, learning, and community can thrive. Janet Lymer emphasized the foundational role that Catholic education plays in nurturing both the mind and the heart:
“Catholic education nurtures both the mind and heart, preparing students to impact society positively.”
The Calgary Catholic Education Foundation continues to support CCSD’s vision of providing a well-rounded education that equips students not only with academic skills but also with the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges, develop emotional resilience, and cultivate spiritual growth.
A Call for Community Support
As funding gaps continue to grow, Deana Helton, CCEF Board Chair, has called on the community to help bridge the gap by supporting the foundation’s efforts.
“Together, we can ensure all Catholic schools have equal access to fundraising support,” said Helton. This call to action invites the community to come together in support of the mission of Catholic education, ensuring that all students, regardless of background or financial resources, have the opportunity to receive the best possible education.
Impact of the 2024-2025 Grants
The $149,857.41 in grants will not only benefit students across 46 schools but will also foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the community. By investing in mental health, technology, and faith development, CCEF is ensuring that students are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern world while remaining grounded in their faith.
These grants highlight the CCEF’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, preparing them to thrive in both their academic endeavors and in life, armed with the emotional, technological, and spiritual resources they need to succeed.
Key Takeaways:
- $149,857.41 granted to 46 CCSD schools for 2024-2025, with a focus on mental health, technology, and faith development.
- The Reset Room and other mental health initiatives to support emotional regulation and resilience.
- Interactive LOFT boards and other tech upgrades to enhance learning in the classroom.
- Faith programs like Roots of Unity and Campus Calgary/Open Minds® to foster students’ spiritual growth and hands-on learning experiences.
- CCEF calls on the community to bridge funding gaps and ensure equal access to resources across all Catholic schools.
Related Topics:
- What Does Friendship Feel Like?
- Is It Normal for Friendships to End?
- What Are the Four Types of Friendship?
