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BLOCS 16th Annual Scholarship Dinner

2012 Annual Scholarship Dinner

Comcast Cares Day

St. Martin de Porres leads the way toward independent Catholic schools in Philly

His job: Saving Catholic education in Delaware County, region

Catholic schools’ reprieve gratifies chief of study panel

It’s good news for five Catholic grade schools

How to Apply for a BLOCS Scholarship

Applying for a BLOCS Scholarship is simple. Families should fill out a BLOCS Scholarship Application (also available in Spanish) and return it along with the required supporting documentation, to PSAS, our application processor, no later than April 16, 2012.

We are unable to process incomplete or late applications. Please be sure that your application is postmarked by the deadline indicated above, and that it contains all of the required information and supporting documents, as well as the $19 application fee. Completed application packets should be mailed to: PSAS-BLOCS APPLICATION P.O. Box 89434, Cleveland, OH 44101-6434.

Copies of the application are available at all Catholic Schools in the diocese. You can also print out a copy of the application here:

Application in English

Application in Spanish

A Note on School Closings and Mergers

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recently announced that a number of schools may be closed or merged for the upcoming school year but, as of the time of the printing of our scholarship applications, those changes have not been finalized.

For the purposes of this year's BLOCS Scholarship Application, please list the school that your student would like to attend next year, even if it is scheduled to close / merge. For example, if your child is currently attending an elementary school that is scheduled to merge this coming year, but he/she would like to continue attending the elementary school if it stays open, please list that school.

Scholarships awarded to students at closing / merging schools will follow the student to his / her new school, provided that the school is a Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Click here to see frequently asked questions about our scholarship process.

Guest column: Support Opportunity Scholarship Act

The Need for Scholarships in Philadelphia County

Philadelphia Archdiocese Considers Mission Schools

Philadelphia Archdiocese Considers Creating “Mission Schools”

On the Boards

PEOPLE: ON THE MOVE

Mural for DePaul Catholic School

Campers Set to Slime

Social Circuit: Building Blocks

Events Calendar

Annual Scholarship Dinner

BLOCS gives a sincere thank you to all who attended our 16th Annual Scholarship Dinner

We also thank our generous donors for their kind sponsorship contributions.

PhillyDeals: Bill would grow tuition tax breaks for the middle class, too

A Catholic Teach for America

Donate Now

Education has the power to transform a child's life. Together, we can create a brighter future for children throughout Philadelphia. Please consider making a generous donation today. To support BLOCS, call Director of Development Bill O'Brien at 484.684.1214, or click here to make an online donation.

Solicitud de Beca (Versión Español)

Haga clic aqui para descargar el impreso de solicitud 2012-2013. .

Se puede llenar el impreso de solicitud imprimiendo una copia y completándolo usando un bolígrafo azul o negro, o escribiendo las respuestas en el archivo PDF en computadora, y luego imprimiendo una copia en papel.

Envíe la solicitud completa y fotocopias de toda la documentación a:

PSAS-BLOCS APPLICATION, P.O. Box 89434, Cleveland, OH 44101-6434.

Scholarship Application (English Version)

Click here to download the 2012-2013 application.

You may fill out your application by printing a hard copy and completing it with a blue or black ball point pen, or you may type your answers on the PDF file before printing a hard copy.

Mail completed application and photocopies of all documentation to:

PSAS-BLOCS APPLICATION, P.O. Box 89434, Cleveland, OH 44101-6434.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit?

A: The EITC was established in 2001 to provide businesses that pay PA taxes with a tax credit for their donations to nonprofit Scholarship or Education Improvement Organizations.

A one-time donation for K to 12 students can earn a 75% tax credit for a 1 year commitment or a 90% credit for a two year commitment. A one-time donation for Pre-K students can result in a 100% tax credit for the first $10,000; anda 90% tax credit for the remainder up to $100,000.

A business, or any of its operating subsidiaries, can receive up to $300,000 in tax credits annually.

Q: What Organizations utilize the Pennsylvania EITC?

A: Over 2,800 companies have benefited from the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. Although large companies participate in the program, most EITC contributors are small and mid-sized businesses.

Q: Who qualifies for the EITC?

A: To qualify for the credit, a business must pay one of the following Pennsylvania state taxes:

  • Corporate Net Income Tax
  • Capital Stock and Franchise Tax
  • Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
  • Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
  • Insurance Premiums Tax
  • Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax

S Corporations may participate in EITC as well. Businesses may elect to pass through credits from the Personal Income Tax of S Corporation Shareholders or Partners in a general or limited partnership.

These donations make a genuine difference to students and their families. But An EITC-eligible contribution to students through BLOCS offers donors advantages as well:

  • Charitable donations reduce the amount of taxable income
  • Tax credits reduce tax bills dollar for dollar
  • Giving students the chance to experience a high-quality education is an investment in tomorrow's leaders and workforce
  • Minimal cost for major impact
  • Helps build community good will

Macharia Yout

Macharia came to West Philadelphia from Sudan after his family sent him away from his village to protect him from the violence ravaging the countryside. He and thousands of other children walked through Africa before being repatriated to the United States. Macharia is one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan who wound up in North Philadelphia in an enclave of African immigrants who helped him settle in the United States.

When Macharia arrived in Philadelphia in 2000, he knew no one, had no money, and virtually nothing to his name. He moved in with an African family who sent their sons to West Catholic High School in Philadelphia. With the help of his foster family, Macharia applied for and received a BLOCS scholarship and attended West Catholic.

When the track coach at West recruited him, Macharia wasn’t a runner, but he quickly discovered his speed and talent. After graduating from West Catholic, Macharia headed to Widener University where he became a six time NCAA Division III champion. Today, Macharia continues to pursue his dream as he trains for the Olympics. This Lost Child’s story is a shining example of how BLOCS is building a brighter future for children from all walks of life.

Daritza and Daritzon

Daritza and Daritzon are in the eighth and third grades, respectively, at St. Francis de Sales. They came to the United States, with their mother and father from the Dominican Republic in search of a better life. Like many immigrants, they did not speak English when they arrived in the United States.

One of the most important characteristics of a better life for Daritza's and Daritzon's parents was education for their children. After settling in West Philadelphia and considering the options, the family chose St. Francis. The parents own a small market where they work seven days a week, including holidays. They gladly make this sacrifice so their children can obtain a high quality, safe, Catholic education. While the parents could pay most of the tution cost, a small grant from BLOCS helped cover the balance, a life saver for Daritza and Daritzon.

The children have blossomed in school - Daritza loves music, cooking and her classes. In November, she was chosen as a peacemaker by her peers. Daritzon enjoys math, helping his family and baseball. He hopes to emulate his hero, Sammy Sosa.

Sandra

Sandra is a 3rd grade student at St. Peter the Apostle in Philadelphia. Sandra's mother feels that she has received an outstanding education at St. Peter thanks in large measure to the dedication of the faculty and administration to the students and families.

St. Peter's has instilled a strong positive attitude and work ethic in Sandra and helped her blossom into a confident young student, characteristics that have helped her excel in her studies.

Sandra’s family is sincerely grateful for the financial support it has received through BLOCS. According to her mother, “Sandra leaves for school every day with a smile on her face, ready to tackle her work. She is challenged academically and has a deep sense of affection for her classmates and teachers. Tuition assistance from BLOCS has made a difference to our family. We know Sandra will use her education to do great things.”

Saadiq Jones

Before Saadiq Jones was born, his parents were already planning for his education. They dreamed of sending him to a school where he would thrive, be safe, and would have the opportunity to reach his full potential. After Saadiq’s father passed away, his mother began looking for such a school. When she found Annunciation BVM in South Philadelphia, she said, “It felt like a family”.

Eighth grader Saadiq has attended Annunciation BVM since the 4th grade. His sister, Sadiyah, is in the first grade. He is not only thriving, but excelling.  Recognized as a leader in his class, he was selected to attend the Junior Presidential Young Leaders Conference. His selection and attendance at this conference led to an invitation to attend the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States, a once in a lifetime opportunity for this 13 year old from Philadelphia.

Saadiq’s mother is thrilled that BLOCS’ financial support has enabled her to keep her children at Annunciation BVM. His mother said, “Saadiq will be entering high school next year and it is important that he finish his grade school education at Annunciation. The BLOCS scholarship let us keep Saadiq in an environment where he has been encouraged to reach his full potential.”

Saadiq’s younger sister Sadiyah looks forward to many more years at Annunciation. Principal, Regina Tanghe is sure she will keep the Jones family tradition of excellence alive!

The Cloud Family

Page, Emma and Annie are 6 year old triplets currently enrolled in kindergarten at St. Margaret School in Narberth.  They live with their mother, Pam and their three year old brother, Joshua. In December 2007, Pam’s husband tragically passed away from a brain tumor.  As a single mother raising four young children, it is important to Pam that her daughters are able stay at St. Margaret School. St. Margaret is a place where the “wonderful education and the loving, caring environment” has created an extended family for her children.  In light of all the change experienced in their short lives, Pam is grateful that her daughters are in the stable and loving environment of St. Margaret’s school. 

Support from BLOCS has made a tangible difference to the Cloud family.

Participate in the EITC Program

Donating to BLOCS through the EITC program is easy. All it takes is a simple, one page application specifying the donation you would like to make. Your credits get approved before you make a donation, and 100% of your donation will go directly to scholarships. BLOCS does not take any administrative fees or overhead costs out of your donation.

You can download the EITC application form and a complete step by step guide below. Remeber that Pennsylvania limits the amount of credits that are available through the EITC program each year. In order to ensure that you will be approved for the program, it is important that you send your completed application into the state on the following days:

For businesses in the 2nd year of a 2 year EITC commitment: Between May 15th and June 29th

For C corporations who are not in the 2nd year of a 2 year commitment: July 2nd

For S corporations and partnerships who are not in the 2nd year of a 2 year commitment: July 9th

Because the state limits the amount of credits that are available statewide, it is important that you get your completed applications to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) on the dates listed above. The address of the DCED is listed on the EITC application. In order to ensure that your application arrives on the correct day, you may also forward your completed application to BLOCS, and we will deliver it to the DCED on the appropriate deadline. In order to utilize this option, please scan your application and e-mail it to crasing@blocs.org or mail it to Cheryl Rasing, BLOCS, 100 Matsonford Road, Suite 101, Radnor, PA 19087.

To Download BLOCS' Step by Step Guide to EITC Giving, Click Below:

Step by Step EITC Guide

To Download the One Page EITC Application, Click Below:

EITC Application for Credits

Thank you for your support of BLOCS and the children we serve. If you have any questions about making an EITC donation to BLOCS, please call Director of Development Bill O'Brien at 484.684.1214 or e-mail him at bobrien@blocs.org

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Newsletter

Friends of BLOCS, we invite you to stay connected with us! Sign up for the BLOCS newsletter and find out about our organization’s news and events, information on area Catholic schools, and Archdiocesan updates. Click here to subscribe.

BLOCS in the News

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I get an application?

A: Copies of the application are available at every Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. You can also print out an application here (click here for a Spanish application).

Q: What is the deadline for applications?

A: All applications must be postmarked by April 16, 2012. Applications received after the deadline will be returned unprocessed.

Q: When will I hear about the award decision?

A: Award decisions are communicated to applicants in late June and early July of each year.

Q: Is my child eligible for a BLOCS Scholarship?

A: All students attending Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are eligible for BLOCS Scholarships, provided your family meets the EITC income guidelines set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, gender, national origin or religion.

Q: What are the income guidelines set by the Commonwealth?

Families are eligible to receive scholarships provided they meet the maximum income requirements set by the state. For the 2012-2013 school year, families with one dependent may make up to $72,000. You may make add $12,000 in income for each additional dependent.

Q: My child's school is scheduled to close / merge. What should I do?

A: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recently announced that a number of schools may be closed or merged for the upcoming school year but, as of the time of the printing of our scholarship applications, those changes have not been finalized.

For the purposes of this year's BLOCS Scholarship Application, please list the school that your student would like to attend next year, even if it is scheduled to close / merge. For example, if your child is currently attending an elementary school that is scheduled to merge this coming year, but he/she would like to continue attending the elementary school if it stays open, please list that school.

Scholarships awarded to students at closing / merging schools will follow the student to his / her new school, provided that the school is a Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia..

Q: Where do I mail my completed application packet?

A: Please mail your completed packet directly to Private School Aid Service, the third-party processor for BLOCS' scholarship applications. Applications should be sent to: PSAS-BLOCS APPLICATION, P.O. Box 89434, Cleveland, OH 44101-6434.

Q: I have a question about my application. Who should I call?

A: Private School Aid Service (PSAS) is the official third-party application processor for BLOCS. You may call them directly at 440-892-4272 with questions about your application.

Planned Giving

Donor Testimonials

Scholarship sponsors Fran and Alicia Van Kirk raised their three grown children in the Philadelphia suburbs, less than 15 miles from the city line. "It is only a few miles away, but a world apart in terms of opportunity,” says Fran. “Hopefully through scholarships we can help bridge the gap.” But Fran and Alicia do much more than just support scholarships. They both participate actively at Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius Schools, in West Philadelphia.

Alicia is an early childhood teacher by training and works as an aide to the kindergarten teacher, helping students gain more learning time. "We really wanted our kids to understand that we can share what we have and make life better for someone else," says Alicia. Alicia has introduced numerous friends to these wonderful schools, many of whom have followed her lead and engage in a rich variety of teaching activities with the students including a great books program designed to improve reading skills, a math enrichment program and a computer skills program.

Fran participates on the advisory board at the schools and actively fundraises for student scholarships. "When we came to the school," says Fran, "we were moved by the backgrounds of so many of these kids. What they experience here is nothing less than transformative. If we can help them get a good education in an environment where teachers care about and believe in them, then there is not better choice for us.” .

Sr. Owen Patricia Bonner, principal of both schools, has seen first-hand the difference that support like the Van Kirk’s can make. "All kids have talents," she says, "but children from disadvantaged backgrounds to often don’t get the opportunity to discover what their talents are. Support from great people like Fran and Alicia make all the difference to these students.”

Letters

BLOCS receives hundreds of letters every year from students and families who have benefited from scholarship awards. Here are a few of the cards and letters expressing their gratitude. They speak for the thousands of recipients who send notes of heartfelt gratitude.

Faces of BLOCS

Each year BLOCS helps thousands of children receive the gift of a high quality education. The stories in this section represent a very small sample of the number of lives that have been touched by the generosity of donors and the dedicated teachers and staff in the Catholic schools. We invite you to meet some of the students BLOCS supports.

Get Involved

BLOCS offers numerous opportunities for individuals and businesses to become involved with the schools:

  • Consider putting your skills and expertise to good use on the BLOCS Board or on one of the school advisory boards
  • Consider supporting a program at one of the schools
  • Consider making a donation on behalf or your company or organization

Donate Online Now!

Success doesn’t just happen. It happens because people make it happen. An investment in education is one that never fails to produce returns. The excellent results produced by the Catholic schools are a testament to this fact, with outstanding highschool graduation rates, and post secondary college enrollment rates.

Please support students in your community. Invest in the power of education.

The EITC Program

Did you know that businesses in Pennsylvania can receive a 75-90% tax credit by donating to Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) through the EITC program?

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program allows businesses to make contributions to BLOCS and provide life-changing scholarships to students in our area that enable them to attend Catholic Schools. Our scholarships are 100% need-based, and have allowed thousands of students to receive a quality, values-based education and escape the cycle of poverty they would otherwise face.

Here at BLOCS, we count on your EITC donations to literally change the lives of children who otherwise wouldn’t have access to a quality education. Please help us continue this work by applying for your tax credit this year, and by designating BLOCS as the recipient of your generosity. Applying is easy... simply fill out the one page application, and send it in. It's easy, fast, and effective.

Click here for an application for EITC credits, as well as step-by-step instructions on how your business can support good schools for great kids in the Philadelphia region through the EITC program.

The following video walks businesses through the entire EITC process. This EITC How-To Guide shows businesses just how simple the process is to complete and how beneficial the program is to children who desire a Catholic education.

Check out our EITC How-To Guide for Schools video to learn more about how the program benefits schools and the application process.

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Board Participation

The Board is open to business men and women from the community who believe in the potential of high quality, values based education for students who attend the Philadelphia area Catholic Schools. If you are interested in learning more about the Board and our work, please contact the BLOCS office at 484-684-1212 or info@blocs.org.

Endowments

Education has long been recognized as a critical component for economic opportunity and a deterrent of poverty, crime and homelessness. Numerous studies have documented the earnings disparity between high school graduates and their peers who do not graduate from high school. Incarceration rates and education levels are directly correlated with nearly three quarters of state prison inmates categorized as high school drop outs.

The Philadelphia Catholic schools have done an excellent job of educating children for more than one hundred years, upholding a tradition of superior, values based education. These schools have a record of graduating over 90% of students without using “social promotion.”

The Catholic school system provides an important alternative to the public school system, one that has historically been affordable for middle and lower income families. Schools are safe and cost efficient, educating students for approximately one-third of Philadelphia’s per pupil expenditure

Urban Catholic schools serve students in the poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods with commendable outcomes. These schools maintain an open enrollment policy, educating students reguardless of race, religion or ethnic group. Unfortunately, even reasonably priced tuition is beyond the means of much of the population, putting these resources at serious risk. Over the past ten years, the number of Catholic elementary schools in Philadelphia has contracted more than 30%, and student enrollment has dropped by 41%. There is an urgent need to stop the rapid erosion of these valuable community assets.

BLOCS has developed a plan designed to sustain targeted schools in poorer areas. Under this plan, schools work with BLOCS to adopt successful for profit-practices in the area of marketing and management. BLOCS will help schools meet operational needs using endowment income and continued support from the Archdiocese.

BLOCS Programs

Donors

  • A.T. Chadwick Co., Inc.
    ACE American Insurance Co.
    Alliance Environmental Systems, Inc.
    The American Ireland Fund
    Ametek
    Answering Service Dispatch, Inc.
    AON Consulting
    ARAMARK
    Atlantic Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Austill's Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
    B&I Auto Supply, Inc.
    B. Pietrini & Sons
    Bayada Nurses
    Beneficial Bank
    Bentley Systems, Inc.
    Berwind Corporation
    BGM Advisors Corp.
    Brandywine Operating Partnership, LP
    Brandywine Realty Trust
    Ms. Kathryn Brown
    Bryn Mawr Trust, Co.
    Mr. Jerry Buckley
    Burns Engineering, Inc.
    Capital Solutions, Inc.
    Carr & Duff, Inc.
    The Charles & Barbara Close Foundation
    Coca-Cola Refreshments
    Communications Test Design, Inc.
    Community Counseling Service Co., LLC
    Connelly Foundation
    Cozen O'Connor
    Creative Financial Group
    Daniel J. Keating Company
    Ms. Ann DeLaura
    Delaware Valley Surgical Supply
    DNB First
    Double H Manufacturing Corp.
    Duane Morris, LLP
    ECBM, LP

  • Elan Drug Deliveries, Inc.
    Elliott-Lewis Coporation
    The Estate of Alice Woodward
    Fastener Systems, Inc.
    Fiberline
    First Niagara
    First Resource Bank
    Fleming & Van Metre Advertising, Inc.
    Flynn & O'Hara
    Focus Express Mail Pharmacy
    Fred Beans Holdings, Inc.
    Fujirebio Diagnostics
    The Graham Company
    Greenwich Terminals, LLC
    Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hanway
    Mr. H. Richard Haverstick, Jr.
    Herman Goldner Co., Inc.
    Holt Logistics, Inc.
    HSC Builders & Construction Managers
    Independence Blue Cross (KHPE)
    INTECH Construction, Inc.
    JP Morgan Chase Foundation
    Keystone Screw Corp.
    L.F. Driscoll Company, LLC
    Land Services USA, Inc.
    Mr. H. F. Gerry Lenfest
    Lincoln Investment
    Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.
    Macadam Company, Inc.
    The Maguire Foundation
    Manager, Comm. Relations
    Mr. Brian McElwee
    McMaster-Carr Supply Company
    Mrs. Evelyn W. McNiff
    MDWC&G
    Merit Metal Products Corporation Metro Beverage of Philadelphia, Inc.
    Mr. Edward Mooney
    Murray, Devine & Co., Inc.
    The Musser Group
    The Mutual Fire Foundation, Inc.

  • Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation
    New Vitae, Inc.
    The Norwood Company
    NutriSystem, Inc.
    O'Donnell & Naccarato, Inc.
    Mr. & Mrs. Michael O'Neill
    O'Neill Hector, LLC
    Pacifico Ford
    The Paul E. Kelly Foundation
    PECO
    Pennsylvania Machine Works, Inc.
    Pepper Hamilton, LLP
    The Philadelphia Foundation
    PNC Bank, NA & Subsidiaries
    Port Richmond Savings
    Porter & Curtis, LLC
    Preferred Sands
    PRN
    PTR Baler & Compactor Co.
    Quaint Oak Bank
    RWI Advisors Corp.
    Mr. Donald Saleski
    SHIRE
    SKF USA, Inc.
    Stainless Plate Products, Inc.
    Stainless Processing, Inc.
    Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
    Susquehanna Bank
    Swartley Bros. Engineers, Inc.
    Mr. Matthew Taylor
    Tri-State Technical Sales Corporation
    United States Liability Insurance Group
    Universal Health Services, Inc.
    Valley Forge Investment Corp.
    Mr. & Mrs. Fran Van Kirk
    Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Villanova University
    ViroPharma Incorporated
    VIST Financial
    Waste Management
    Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Yass
    Mr. Michael Young

The Students

The Philadelphia area has one of the most diverse student populations in the country, and the 85,000 students who attend the schools represent every neighborhood, ethnic group and religious background. At some schools, more than 25 nationalities are represented.
Likewise, students come from all income levels. In the inner city and some first ring suburbs, many of the students live at or below the poverty level. Their parents sacrifice in order to send their children to a Catholic school with the dream that they will have a better future, and for many, a scholarship from BLOCS is the only way a private school education is possible. Here are just a few facts about the students attending the Elementary and Secondary Schools:

  • Graduation Rate of 99%
  • College Matriculation Rate of 94%
  • Daily Attendance rate of over 96%
  • Over $200 million in scholarships awarded to Class of 2009
  • Standardized test scores above the national average in every grade

The Catholic Schools are meeting the challenge of educating a highly diverse student body, and the results speak for themselves. With such a significant impact, it is abundantly clear how an investment in BLOCS yields high returns for our donors and for a greater Philadelphia.

The Schools

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia encompasses a large, diverse geographic area including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. There are 176 diocesan elementary schools, 20 high schools and 32 private schools within the Archdiocese. These schools educate the whole child – academically, spiritually and physically, instilling confidence, discipline and integrity while providing a solid foundation for future success. Over 85,000 children attend these schools, 30,000 in the City of Philadelphia. In 2009, 95% of graduates went on to pursue higher education and received a record $244 million in college scholarships.

In addition to traditional elementary and high schools, there are five schools of Special Education where students with physical, cognitive or learning needs are welcomed and engage in relevant learning programs. These schools are open to children of all faiths, races and ethnicities.

Many of the elementary schools and 10 of the high schools are located in the city and first ring suburbs, providing a safe and crucial educational alternative to students who live in underperforming school districts. With outstanding results including daily attendance rates in excess of 96% and standardized test scores above the national average, students enter the world and workforce poised for success.

2008–09 Archdiocese of Philadelphia Elementary and Secondary Schools

Elementary Schools

Total Parish Based Schools

176

Student Population

57,537

Percentage of Minority Students

23.1%

Percentage of Non-Catholic Students

13.9%

Secondary Schools

Student Population

19,137

Percentage of Minority Students

21.4%

Percentage of Non-Catholic Students

13.05%

2008-2009 Tuition per Student

$4,860
Archdiocese of Philiadelphia Pupil enrollment 2008 Pie Chart

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Pupil Enrollment 2008

Elementary

High School

Private

Special Ed

Early Chldhood

College Scholarships

Class of 2008

$243,584,897

Take Action

Making a Difference

About Us

Scholarships

At BLOCS, we believe that a high-quality Catholic School education should be available to every student.

Each year, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) provides thousands of need-based scholarships to students throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to enable them to attend Catholic School.

BLOCS works within the State of Pennsylvania EITC guidelines and uses an outside scholarship administrator to determine eligibility for scholarship grants. Over the past several years, funds for scholarship support have increased. Unfortunately, so has the demand, which continues to significantly exceed supply. As a result, filing of an application and payment of an application fee does not in any way guarantee the awarding of a BLOCS scholarship.

To check on the status of your application please contact Private School Aid Service at 440-892-4272 or info@psas.org.

Award decisions will not be made until the end of spring 2012. BLOCS will be notifying families of our scholarship decisions between the end of May and early June.

Click here to learn more about how to apply for a BLOCS Scholarship.

Click here to learn more about how to support BLOCS' scholarship program with an EITC donation.

History & Mission

Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools, BLOCS, is an independent charitable organization supported by companies, firms and foundations of all sizes in the five county Philadelphia region. Since 1980, BLOCS has invested in the lives of tens of thousands of children throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including some of the poorest neighborhoods in the City.

BLOCS is committed to giving children of all incomes, races, ethnic origins and religions access to a high quality, values based education in Philadelphia area Catholic schools. From its inception in 1980 by a group of visionary business and civic leaders, BLOCS has been supported by a diverse group of individuals.

Children who attend elementary, high school or the schools of Special Education within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are eligible for BLOCS Scholarships. Through its scholarships, BLOCS touches more children in more communities than almost any other private education charity in our region.

During the 2010-2011 school year, BLOCS was able to grant partial tuition scholarships to more than 3000 students, raise millions of dollars in endowment funds for schools in our innovative Urban Endowment Initative program, and provide block grants, training, and best practices support to schools throughout the Philadelphia region.

With the support of its Board, friends, and donors, BLOCS endeavors to increase the number of scholarships distributed each year and help strengthen the schools for future generations and for the good of our region.

News & Events

Organizational Structure

BLOCS is an independent 501c3 organization governed by a dedicated, engaged board. Comprised of leaders representing business, law, real estate and finance from the five county Philadelphia region, the full BLOCS board meets quarterly while the Executive Committee and sub committees meet more frequently.

Staff

The BLOCS staff works closely with the Board of Directors to support Catholic Education throughout the Philadelphia region:

Bill O'Brien, Director of Development

Barbara Demchick, Controller

Matt Hunt, Accounting & Database Assistant

Cheryl Rasing, Administrative Assistant

Special Programs

In addition to the core mission of raising funds for scholarships and school endowments, BLOCS engages in other programs for the benefit of the schools.

BLOCS Marketing Grants

Each year, BLOCS offers ten $10,000 grants to Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia through a competitive grant process. Schools are asked to submit marketing plans for the coming year, and a committee selects the ten best proposed plans. Grant applications are general accepted in the spring of each year for funding the following school year. For more information on BLOCS Marketing Grants, contact Bill O'Brien at 484.684.1214.

Fundraising Training

It is important that every Catholic School initiate a development program to fund programs and scholarships at their school. While BLOCS cannot operate individual development programs for each school in the diocese, we do offer fundraising training and planning help to school boards, principals, presidents and pastors on a school by school basis. For more information on fundraising training at your school, please call Bill O’Brien at 484.684.1214.

EITC Breakfasts and Roundtables

Do you wish your school would have more money available for scholarships through the EITC program? BLOCS can help, by working with you to hold an EITC breakfast or roundtable at your school. You invite local businesspeople, parents, and alumni, as well as current donors and supporters. A representative from BLOCS will make a presentation, provide handouts, answer questions, and encourage attendees to make an EITC donation designated for your school. It’s win-win! To set up an EITC breakfast or roundtable at your school, call Bill O’Brien at 484.684.1214.

BLOCS continues to pursue programs that enhance and support the mission of the schools. Companies or individuals interested in discussing opportunities may contact the BLOCS office at 484-684-1212.

Contact BLOCS

Please feel free to contact us with any comments, questions or suggestions you may have about BLOCS' work.

By Mail

One Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road
Suite 101
Radnor, PA 19087

By Phone

484-684-1212

By Email

Please complete the fields in the form to the left and click "submit" when finished. You may also email us at info@blocs.org

Our Board

Our Board actively governs BLOCS through quarterly board meetings and more frequent committee meetings. The Board is comprised of individuals who care about providing access to quality education for all children. Board members both donate and actively raise funds for BLOCS. No member of the board is compensated for his or her effort.

BLOCS Executive Committee & Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Honorary Chairman

Archbishop of Philadelphia

Michael G. O’Neill, Chairman

Preferred Unlimited, Inc.

Brian McElwee, President

Valley Forge Investment Corporation

Michael Young, Vice President

Classic Management, Inc.

Francis J. Van Kirk, Secretary

Heidrick & Struggles

Brian Gallagher, MT, CPA, Treasurer

GMS Surgent

Charlie Ryan, Member At-large

UFG Asset Management

Board of Directors

Daniel Astolfi

Citizens Bank

Charlie Bernier

ECBM

Jerry Buckley

Pine Hill Group

Chris Carr

ModSpace

Alvin A. Clay III

Davidson Trust Company

Kevin Czachor

ASD, Inc.

Joseph Donnelly

NBC Universal

Lawrence A. Doyle, Jr.

John Eisele

Sean P. Fahey

Pepper Hamilton, LLP

Bishop Michael Fitzgerald

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Sean Flynn

Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms

Michael Holly

The Musser Group

Erin Lavelle

Commonwealth Agency, Inc.

John Lazovi

First Niagara Bank

Stephen Maciejewski

Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation

Suzanne Mayes

Cozen O'Connor

John McDonald

PECO

Matt McFillin

KPMG

John McGonigle

Grant Thornton, LLP

Jay Moderski

Gateway Funding

Richard Raquet

TRC Market Research

Chris Rosenbleeth

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

Don Saleski

PRN Network

Michael Savage

PTR Baler & Compactor

Bernard T. Shields

M&T Bank

Bill Streich

Holt Logistics Corporation

Matthew A. Taylor

Duane Morris, LLP

Matthew Topley

Turner Investment Partners

Michael Yasick

Shire

Past BLOCS Chairmen

  • H. F. (Gerry) Lenfest, Esquire – The Lenfest Group (2005-2007)
  • J. Williams Mills, III – PNC Bank (2002-2005)
  • David F. Girard-di Carlo, Esquire – Blank Rome, LLP (1999-2001)
  • G. Fred DiBona, Jr., Esquire – Independence Blue Cross (1990-1998)
  • William S. Fishman – ARA Services/ARAMARK Corporation (1980-1989)

Home

BLOCS is committed to giving children of all incomes, races and religions access to a high quality, values based education in Philadelphia area Catholic schools. Since 2002, BLOCS has funded over 20,000 scholarships to students in the Philadelphia region... > LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION AND HISTORY



Join us on Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Flyers Alumni Golf Invitational


Proceeds benefit BLOCS, Flyers Alumni Association, and Flyers Charities

Social Circuit: BLOCS Annual Scholarship Dinner’

BLOCS 12th Annual Scholarship Dinner’

Elementary students march in North Philly for an end to violence

Businesspeople boosting Catholic schools

It’s a mission of mercy

Philadelphia Catholic Scholarship Group Works to Cast a Wider Net

Event celebrates school-biz partnership

BLOCS splits from Archdiocese

Love rescues orphaned boy

BLOCS One Radnor Corporate Center •100 Matsonford Road •Suite 101 • Radnor, PA 19087
Phone 484-684-1212 • Fax 484-684-1296 • info@blocs.org

©2009-2011 Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED