These are unprecedented times.  As our schools navigate their return for the 2020-2021 school year, the ability to embrace change will be top priority.  Whether or not students will return for in-person instruction has yet to be determined in many cases. However, the twists and turns we have witnessed from this pandemic have controlled our very existence for nearly half of a year, and will force our school administrators, instructors and staff to now also predict their functionality in every type of environment. My respect for all of them is limitless, as well as for the thousands of parents, guardians and caregivers that are waiting to see how the guidelines will affect their livelihoods, schedules, and safety practices.  And that’s just the tip of the COVID iceberg.

The financial need demonstrated by our families is increasing rapidly every day.  Our applications are increasing, and families that have never relied on tuition assistance in the past are now understanding the desperation felt by those wondering if they can meet their tuition costs while trying to handle everything else life is throwing their way.  As always, CEA is looking ahead as well, for increased revenue streams to help our schools and families during this time:

  • A Corporate Incentive has been offered to our schools for immediate use this school year
    • Any Corporate funding secured from July 8th until the announcement of the Corporate limit being reached is available for immediate scholarships THIS SCHOOL YEAR!
  • CEA Impact Reports, and a variety of Marketing Material were sent to schools, along with an offer of CEA sponsored Social Media ad campaigns
  • Scholarship payments were made available for schools early in July
  • Elementary School partnership plans have been created and will be launched with 5 schools to help generate more scholarship funds
  • Bulletin announcements, various videos, and parish projection slide announcements have been created and will be sent to parishes this fall for their discretionary use promoting the tax credit
  • Our podcasts are available on multiple platforms, and are well-received – YES, WE HAVE A PODCAST!!
  • While in-person back to school events and presentations are temporarily on hold, we have offered video presentations to help educate taxpayers on the benefits of taking the tax credit
  • Our Corporate Webinars have been informative and lucrative in our effort to raise more tax credit funds for our schools this year. ($23 million available, call us for information!)

Finally, we are looking for opportunities to acquire technology that our schools can use to offer quality, remote learning, and welcome any guidance you may have.

As I’ve said before, together, we will get through this, and together we will continue to change lives, one scholarship at a time!

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Deb