The Becraft Scholars Program is a relationship-centered, equity-focused scholarship program. Becraft Scholars provides a pathway of access to Catholic education while partnering with archdiocesan schools to foster a culture of belonging with a focus on Black American students and families.
The program was founded in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd outraged the world and inspired a new drive for racial justice. In response, the Fulcrum Foundation and the Ferry Family Charitable Foundation created Becraft Scholars. Named after Sister Anne Marie Becraft, a young Black nun who founded the country’s first Catholic school for Black children in 1827, the program seeks to address equity issues in Western Washington Catholic schools.
Becraft Scholars supports cohorts of 12 students each year, providing tuition assistance and additional support to ensure that each student and their family feels a true sense of belonging. The program is run by Alana Bell, whose experience in equity and belonging work has taken Becraft Scholars to new heights.
“Catholic education is supposed to serve those furthest from educational justice,” said Alana. “So, at the heart of our program, we are living and walking the mission of Catholic education.”
Learn more about the power of belonging and the Becraft Scholars Program in this video
Support the Becraft Scholars Program
Learn more about how this innovative program is changing lives in Catholic schools:
Radio Interview with Alana Bell
Building a culture of inclusion for all students – Northwest Catholic