CISE works to transform the lives of urban children by providing access to a strong Catholic education at designated inner-city schools and Catholic high schools
CISE has found great success by partnering with individuals and organizations who share their expertise to benefit our scholars. These partnerships are united by a common goal – to make a difference in the lives of our scholars and to support the CISE mission of providing a quality, Catholic education for inner-city children in Cincinnati. This year, we dedicate our annual report to our partners: donors, teachers, school nurses, academic coaches, mental health specialists and countless others. Our work would not be possible without your support, thank you.
CISE is saddened with the closing of St. Joseph Catholic School for the 2023-2024 school year. We respect the decision of the Archdiocese, the pastor and parish council at St. Joseph.
Although CISE does not manage any of our schools, CISE does provide financial resources for tuition assistance and educational support services to create an environment where all students can learn in a Catholic, values-based environment. CISE has provided substantial funding to St. Joseph School for many years and will continue to support the needs of these students.
Currently, we are focused on providing a smooth transition for St. Joseph students and their families to another CISE school, to continue their Catholic education.
Exciting News! Last evening, we officially launched our Annual Campaign at the Kenwood Country Club. This campaign is our primary fundraiser, devoted to providing vital support to CISE schools, students, and teachers.
The event featured an inspiring speech by Katie Puthoff, Principal of Holy Family, filling the room with motivation and positivity. Notable moments also included Campaign Co-chair Don Mellott’s address, spotlighting the incredible work CISE is accomplishing within the inner-city schools of Cincinnati. Insightful closing remarks were shared by Phil McHugh, CISE President and Executive Director.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the occasion. Your support fuels our mission to rewrite the futures of urban children by providing access to a faith-based Catholic education.
Amirou - Corryville Catholic | La Salle class of 2027
“CISE has made it much easier for my family and has changed my future.”
Amirou and his twin sister, Aminatou, have attended Corryville Catholic since second grade. This year, both siblings received CISE high school scholarships and will attend Catholic high schools in the fall.
Amirou looks forward to studying computer science, game development and entrepreneurship at La Salle High School in the fall. He is so grateful for the opportunities provided through CISE and this scholarship.
Amirou hopes to attend college where he plans to study computer science.
Geraldina - Holy Family | St. Ursula class of 2025
“I’m grateful for this opportunity, it’s really a life-changing experience.”
A CISE scholarship enabled Geraldina to attend Saint Ursula Academy where she is a Student Ambassador and very involved in musical theater and the arts.
Geraldina values the opportunity to take higher level classes and appreciates the abundance of options for discovering her passions. With four brothers currently attending Holy Family, her educational journey is a shared experience.
Geraldina plans to study animation in college and hopes to become someone the next generation of students can look up to.
Bitanya - Holy Family | University of Cincinnati class of 2026
“If you told me in 7th grade that I would receive a full ride to college I would never have believed it!”
Bitanya’s family immigrated to the US in 2007, seeking a better life. At Holy Family, she received tremendous support as the sole English-speaking person in her household.
With the help of a CISE scholarship, Bitanya attended Seton where she excelled. While in high school she founded “The Grateful Foundation,” a nonprofit to raise funds for her village in Ethiopia.
Bitanya now attends the University of Cincinnati on a full ride scholarship. A first generation college student, she studies marketing and continues the work with her nonprofit organization.