Article from Fulcrum News, Winter 2018
In the 2017-2018 school year, 1,485 students were awarded grants through Fulcrum’s Tuition Assistance Grant Program (TAP). We know that our investment in these students is yielding a high return, with 99% of them moving on to higher education, and creating a brighter future for themselves and their communities. We also know that we are not able to help every family that applies for TAP, with 58% of requests going unmet. So, how exactly does Fulcrum determine who receives a grant each year?
TAP is a deadline and needs-based program meant to serve families with students currently attending a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Seattle. There is a separate program to serve families entering the Catholic school system for the first time—the New Student Tuition Assistance Program. To apply for TAP, families submit an application online via FACTS Grant and Aid, and upload any required documents, such as tax forms and pay stubs. There is a $29 non-refundable fee to apply. Susan Ocoma, Fulcrum’s Programs Director, reviews and adjusts financial information in each application as needed for changes in income or extraordinary circumstances and then FACTS calculates each family’s financial need. Families are then ranked in order of their calculated financial need and grants are awarded in that order, starting with the greatest financial need, until funds are exhausted. Grant funds are disbursed directly to the school in the fall.
Susan Ocoma works closely in partnership with families and school staff to administer this important program each year. “The stories I hear from families and the sacrifices they make are incredibly moving. They inspire me to continue to do this work on behalf of Fulcrum so that even more families will be able to realize the hope of a Catholic education for their children.”
More information on programs and applying
Download the entire 2018 winter newsletter here.