Sustaining Catholic Education in and for the Black Community
By Lois J. Carson, Sr. Roberta Fulton, S.S.M.N., Dorothy Gupton, Veronica Morgan-Lee, Freida D. McCray, Mary Crowley McDonald, Kathleen A. Merritt, Sr. Jamie T. Phelps, O.P., Ph.D., Brother Gary Sawyer, ECSA, Deacon Marvin Threatt, PhD.
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Model 2: Education That Works (ETW)
To be complete, the education of today's students must include preparation for future participation in the professional community. For this reason, the Education That Works (ETW) program was established by the Diocese of Memphis at Memphis Catholic High School.
Through the ETW program, the Memphis Catholic students' education is extended beyond classroom teaching to a balanced work-study program. This program provides a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to the work environment that they will enter after college. Upon completion, students will have a clear competitive advantage as they transition from the academic environment to the professional workplace.
The ETW program is a separate 501(c)(3) operation. Memphis Catholic High School partnered with several civic-minded local business and organizations to form a “Community of Champions” that provides jobs for every student at the school. The sponsorships provided by these Champions pay for over 70 percent of each student's tuition and provide learning opportunities unparalleled in the classroom.
The students investigate potential jobs and make a list of their preferences. First choice is given to seniors, then juniors, sophomores, and freshman; however, jobs are assigned according to capability, not necessarily classification.
One student from each grade level forms a four-person team that shares a single job. Each student in the group will work five full days per month: one day each week, rotating Fridays between the four students. The students work during the standard business hours set forth by each company, and are transported to and from work by the school's transportation system. Academic schedules are structured around this work schedule so that the students do not miss any class time.
The students work in a variety of fields, processing paperwork, answering phones, filing, and copying – all the while learning the fundamentals of professionalism and hard work. During this experience, students are exposed to working environments that they may not have known existed. Here, they build confidence and are exposed to the professional world of their future.
Decisions made and habits formed in high school can have a significant impact on one's future. Therefore, the mission of this model is to educate students with Christian love and fellowship that extends beyond the classroom. Memphis Catholic High School is committed to providing Education That Works to every student. Every student that passes through the school's doors will have the opportunity to sharpen his or her intellect, embrace civic responsibility, engage in spiritual development, and cultivate strong work ethics. These invaluable assets will enable students to grow from childhood into adulthood, as beacons of Christian light to their community and the world.
Funding Models
Quality Catholic schools continue to be a priority for Church leaders, but constantly rising costs present perplexing problems. Many Catholic leaders are searching for new ways to fund Catholic education. Some fear that Catholic schools are becoming too costly for parents and for the Church as the sponsoring institution.
In response to these concerns, schools have developed a wide array of funding models. The fact that so many parishes and schools continue to search for funding options is an indication that one size does not fit all.
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