Saigh Foundation Awards $12,500 Grant
The Saigh Foundation Awards $12,500 Grant to Access Academies
The Saigh Foundation has awarded Access Academies a one-year, $12,500 grant in endorsement of its Graduate Support Program, which provides counseling and resources for Academy graduates as they pursue their secondary and post-secondary educational and career aspirations. This is the eighth grant awarded by the Saigh Foundation to Access Academies.
The Saigh Foundation, founded by former St. Louis Cardinals owner, Fred M. Saigh, assists St. Louis–area organizations that benefit children and youth, primarily in the areas of education and health care. The Foundation is particularly interested in stimulating the development of new ventures, as well as in supporting organizations that feature innovative approaches or programs. The Saigh Foundation is managed by JoAnn Hejna, Executive Director/co-trustee, and Mary Kemp, Associate Director, who are dedicated to continuing Fred Saigh’s legacy aiding those who might not otherwise receive assistance.
“We would like to thank the Saigh Foundation for their support,” said Betsy Liberatore, Executive Director of Access Academies. “The funds will be used to enhance Access’s seven-year commitment to the graduates of our Academies through the work of our Graduate Support Directors.”
Since the establishment of Access Academies in 2005, Graduate Support Directors have been partnered with Archdiocesan middle schools to provide critical academic, social, financial and emotional support for low-income and/or minority students and their families for the next seven years of their educational journey. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Collaborating with school-based leadership and faculty to oversee the extended school day and mandatory summer school programs through the Access middle school Academy
- Working with middle school students and their families to find a college-preparatory high school that fits the student’s unique personality and learning style. This includes high school visits, application support, financial guidance, and more through the Access middle school Academy
- Transitioning Academy graduates from middle school to high school. This includes, but is not limited to, consistent high school visits, tutoring, mentoring, tuition scholarships, and monitoring each student’s individual academic growth and achievement through all four years of high school
- Providing post-secondary counseling and support for Academy graduates through college tours, ACT test prep, college application and essay support, and FAFSA counseling, as well as paying for all ACT tests and college applications
Impressively, more than 600 low-income students have benefited from the Graduate Support Directors’ support and services. What’s more, during the 2014-15 school year, 98% of Academy graduates were admitted to private, college-preparatory high schools; 99% graduated on-time; and 94% were accepted to a post-secondary institution.
For more information regarding this release, please contact Julie Linder, Public Relations for Access Academies, by calling (573) 268-0639.
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