In this episode of the Creating Future Leaders Podcast, Nancy Padberg and Deb Preach interview Miranda Maciel, the Director of Marketing and Admissions at Bourgade Catholic High School, and discuss how the Catholic tuition tax credit program has enabled many Catholic students to answer their calling and expand their horizons to seek new educational opportunities. One incredible opportunity students have been able to access is the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC).

Early Work Experience

The West-MEC is a CTE program, which is a certified technical education program that’s important for both students and Catholic tuition tax credit donors because technical jobs are in increasing demand. What’s more, the West-MEC provides experience for students who want to go into the medical field or whose parents own a trade business. This can be especially beneficial to students who need to pay for college because the experience allows them to look for jobs outside of the minimum wage.

Students are able to apply to join the program after the end of their freshman year, and they get to represent Bourgade High School in this competitive program where they learn etiquette and are trained on leadership as well as the technical skills of their pursued trade

A Principal Who Cares

Another reason why students often love Bourgade High School is that the staff really care about their students. Tom Brennan, the new principal of the school, joined Bourgade a month before school began and was there every day to meet with anyone who needed him. He’s made it his mission to learn more about the school, and what it stands for to serve the community, Marciel said. He works security during football games, sings the National Anthem, and checks in on classrooms throughout the day.

Improving Access to Educational Opportunities

While students love Bourgade High School, not every student is able to afford to attend the school without financial assistance, which is where Catholic Education Arizona comes in. Using Catholic tuition tax credits, CEA is able to create Catholic scholarships for students who want to join the Bourgade High School family to take part in a school that has their best interest at heart. Maciel herself benefitted from the Catholic scholarships provided by CEA along with her sister.

Even if your contribution isn’t a lot, Maciel says, every dollar matters. Every tax credit goes toward improving students’ opportunities and offers more than just classroom instruction including athletics, drama and the arts, and more. Approximately one out of 10 Catholic teens attends a Catholic school, and with approximately 350 students enrolled at Bourgade, 301 are receiving a scholarship award from CEA. Corporate tax Credit scholarships have a significant impact on students.

What’s more, directing your tax credits ultimately costs the taxpayer nothing. The State of Arizona gives businesses the ability to direct 100% of their tax liability, toward student education.

To learn how you can create future leaders at Catholic Education Arizona and at Bourgade High School, visit the CEA website or contact CEA today at (602) 218-6542.

Posted February 26, 2023