University of St. Francis Partners with Joliet Diocese High Schools

The University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet has established a partnership with the Diocese of Joliet, ensuring guaranteed admission for students from diocese-affiliated high schools. This agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to facilitate access to higher education for high school graduates.

Graduates from Catholic high schools in the diocese, including Benet Academy, Bishop McNamara Catholic School, IC Catholic Prep, Joliet Catholic Academy, Montini Catholic, Providence Catholic, and St. Francis, will now be eligible for automatic admission to USF. According to the university’s announcement, this initiative is designed to create opportunities for students pursuing a university education.

In addition to guaranteed admission, eligible students can receive the Joliet Franciscan Scholars award of up to $3,000. Furthermore, they remain eligible for merit-based scholarships offered by USF, which can reach up to $21,000 based on academic performance, including standardized test scores and GPA.

Supportive Initiatives for Students and Families

The University of St. Francis plans to enhance this partnership by organizing workshops and information sessions targeted at school counselors, teachers, parents, and prospective students from the diocese. These sessions aim to provide comprehensive admissions and enrollment support services, addressing the needs of all potential applicants.

Ryan C. Hendrickson, President of the University of St. Francis, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative. “We are so pleased with this new partnership and look forward to working with the Catholic high schools within the Joliet diocese. We now have a pathway that removes admission barriers and eases the pathway to enrollment at USF, which includes scholarship support,” he stated.

In a similar vein, Jim Quaid, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Joliet, highlighted the positive impact of this collaboration on students. “This partnership provides the students of our Catholic high schools a wonderful option. They can advance their education while staying engaged with the Catholic church in the diocese, growing in their faith and serving our community,” he commented.

Wider Community Impact

The Diocese of Joliet encompasses several counties, including DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, Kendall, and Will. This partnership not only supports students academically but also reinforces their connection to the Catholic community.

For further information regarding this initiative, interested parties can reach out via email at [email protected]. The collaboration between the University of St. Francis and the Diocese of Joliet represents a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for local students.