Application opens January 13, 2025
Application closes February 13, 2025
Award notification May 12, 2025
The Saint John Baptist de La Salle Fund provides professional education and leadership formation opportunities for teachers and principals serving Catholic schools in the archdiocese. The de La Salle Fund seeks to promote the professional capacity of future Catholic school leaders. Teachers and principals may apply for grants to support college level study and/or continuing education certifications for second language learners and students with diverse needs in Catholic schools. The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma offers grants which school teachers pay back through service in the archdiocese.
Award Amounts
Three-year programs provide up to $3,000/year
Repayment
The award recipient will be expected to complete one year of service in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City after the program is completed. An educator who receives a grant for three years, completes a degree and serves subsequently for three years in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City would be free of any obligation.
Funding Priorities
Applicants must have completed at least one full year of employment with the archdiocese in a Catholic elementary or secondary school professional position. Preference will be given to full-time employees. Part-time employees will be considered if funding is available. Those meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply.
First-priority will be given to principals/assistant principals and teachers pursuing a Master's or Doctoral Degree in administration or leadership. Teachers pursuing Principal Licensure will also receive primary consideration.
Second priority will be given to teachers pursuing a ministerial degree, teacher leader endorsements, counseling degrees or administrative certificates, such as curriculum coordinators, with preference in the subjects of science, math, bilingual education, special education and STEM. Funding will not be available for teachers who do not meet the stated criteria. Funding amounts for certificate or endorsement programs may be awarded in relation to the cost of the program.
Loan funding may be offered but is not guaranteed. After each year, a follow up application is required and reviewed before additional funding is granted. Funding is limited and all applicants may not be accepted.
Statement of Support
Applications must include a statement of support from the employee's pastor, principal, and the Director of Catholic Education with an explanation of the leadership benefits that the archdiocese will receive from the employee when the degree program or certification is completed.
Application Guidelines
Upon notification of the award, recipient is required to sign a loan agreement. An application period will open annually with applications due by June 19 with the goal of award notification by the end of August.