Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in St. Louis. From its inception in 1979, the school’s mission has been to provide an exceptional educational experience that instills in students attitudes of success and self-worth through intensive faith-based educational and leadership preparation, designed to fashion all students as productive, accountable, respectful and self-disciplined citizens in the broader community. 98% of graduates are accepted into a post-secondary institution.
Partnership 1 (2016)
Cardinal Ritter was faced with an opportunity to see sustainability rise out of tragedy. Having lost one of its core leaders, leadership identified a previously untapped donor base – alumni. Though many alumni had gone on to become successful individuals, not as many were consistent donors. There was an opportunity to ask alumni to consider giving in important ways to ensure the school’s sustainability, success, and growth. The received a challenge grant from Brown Sisters to launch a focused campaign to grow its alumni and individual donor giving.
Partnership 2 (2017)
The school’s aging lab equipment and space limited students’ exposure to STEM-related activities. The school wanted to better equip students with the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in college and pursue STEM career fields. Brown Sisters Foundation provided a challenge grant to attract new and increase donations to help purchase new science lab investigation kits and equipment needed to develop a 21st century science laboratory program at the school.
Partnership 3 (2020)
CRCP strives to deliver a college prep education and experience to all students regardless of socio-economic background. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families experienced increased economic strain as a result of reduced income, joblessness, and illness. CRCP saw a 28% increase in need for financial assistance for families who wanted to continue to benefit from the CRCP education and community, but who couldn’t afford to pay tuition. The Brown Sisters issued a challenge grant to attract new and increased donations that would support increased financial aid for students and their families.