Category: News

High School Scholarships

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A Growing Need for High School Scholarships

CISE provides funding for a comprehensive educational pipeline from preschool through high school to help students achieve better outcomes in life.

This school year, 75% of our 8th graders get accepted to local Catholic high schools. However, since more than 90% are living in poverty, they need a CISE high school scholarship to continue their values-based education. CISE awards a $4,000 scholarship for each year of high school to qualified graduates of CISE elementary schools. In addition, each of our high school students has access to an advocate, funded by CISE, who is there to support and mentor them as they navigate through their high school journey. The cost of these student advocates and other student support is $500 per year per CISE student, or almost $250,000 for the current school year.

During the current school year (2023-24), there are 463 CISE elementary school scholars attending local Catholic high schools. Our total annual support for these high school students is $1.1 million. We anticipate another 100 CISE students will need high school scholarship support for the 2024-2025 school year, and we still have a need for high school scholarship donors. 

Donors who make their contribution to the CISE – SGO may receive some substantial tax benefits. A $4,000 scholarship donation can result in an Ohio income tax credit of up to $1,500 and a federal income tax deduction of $2,500, which could save another $750 in federal taxes. The out-of-pocket after-tax impact of a $4,000 scholarship donation could be about $1,750. Donors should consult with their tax advisors to determine the impact of their specific donation.

If you are interested in directly impacting a student’s life and interacting with them during their high school journey, please contact Kelly Camm.

Contact Kelly

Science of Reading

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CISE Supported Schools Leading the Way in Improving Literacy

Recently, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has been advocating for the Science of Reading curriculum. Last October, House Bill 33 was passed, marking a significant shift in school curriculum, teacher training, and reading intervention programs. Governor DeWine stated, “I truly believe there’s nothing more important than the science of reading, and making sure that every single child in the state of Ohio, as they are learning to read, has the benefit of the science.”

Driven by a strong commitment to early literacy and numeracy, CISE has been ahead of the curve in embracing this reading initiative, assuring that our students receive the support they need to succeed in reading, math, and language arts.

In early 2020, educators at Holy Family School faced the challenge of improving reading outcomes for their students. Principal Katie Puthoff recalls, “Despite lots of care and hard work by our teachers, we were not seeing the reading growth that we knew our students were capable of. When we first started the work in kindergarten through third grade, only about 25 to 30% of our students reached their key reading benchmarks. That was simply not acceptable to us.”

As Holy Family recognized the need for change, Dr. Amy Murdoch from Mount St. Joseph University offered an opportunity for the school to participate in a State of Ohio Grant. This grant aimed to transform Holy Family into a model demonstration school for literacy instruction for early learners using the Science of Reading. After extensive training, the school staff and administration began implementing these practices in preschool through third grade. The school quickly experienced significant success in teaching literacy through this approach.

Larissa Phillips, Assistant Director at the Center for Reading Science, spends two days a week at Holy Family working with educators to improve reading assessment, curriculum, and instruction. She observes, “Teachers work really hard, and when they are working hard and not seeing the results, it’s genuinely discouraging. Now they’re working really hard and it’s paying off. When they start to see the students make great gains in reading, it’s so exciting!”

Kyslenia, a third-grade student at Holy Family, has been showing remarkable improvement in her reading skills through weekly sessions with Mrs. Phillips. When asked about her experience, Kyslenia expressed her pride, “I feel like I’m becoming a better reader now, and whenever I struggle with words, she always helps me.”

Now in the fourth year of the curriculum, Holy Family has seen remarkable progress with an impressive 70% of PK-3rd graders reaching key benchmark reading standards. Principal Katie Puthoff notes that the most noticeable change they’ve observed in students is their increasing self-confidence.

For Reading Specialist, Michelle Frey, the impact of the program has been palpable. “One of my second graders approached me and said, ‘Mrs. Frey, learning to read has changed my life,'” she recalls with a tear in her eye. “You know, that’s powerful words from a second grader.”

With the success of Holy Family, two other CISE-supported schools, Corryville Catholic and St. Lawrence, formed partnerships with Mount St. Joseph University and eagerly embraced the Science of Reading program. Though early in the implementation, both Corryville and St. Lawrence have observed a major shift in how students are developing their early literacy skills.

The Science of Reading is helping ensure that every student can learn to read, no matter their prior learning experiences. According to St. Lawrence Principal Jen Long, “This partnership is valuable because it addresses the needs that our students specifically have – learning in a language that is not their native language – through programming to expand upon our strengths and minimize our weaknesses.”

At Corryville Catholic, Principal Lauren Clements reflects on the school’s ongoing struggle to achieve academic gains in reading despite tireless efforts of the teachers and students. After trying various approaches and curricula, they found themselves applying temporary fixes that failed to address the root skill gaps of their students. Regarding the Science of Reading program, Mrs. Clements expresses, “This program has revolutionized our approach to literacy instruction. We’ve witnessed a remarkable improvement in student engagement and achievement since its implementation.”

Principal Jen Long is thrilled that St. Lawrence teachers are now learning research based strategies to help students be successful. Mrs. Long emphasizes the broader implications of literacy success. “Strong reading skills open doors to endless possibilities for our students,” she observes. “By investing in literacy excellence, we’re not just teaching children to read; we’re empowering them to shape their futures and fulfill their potential.”

Through the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence, these three CISE supported schools are rewriting the narrative of education, one child at a time.

CISE supports 10 inner-city Catholic schools in Cincinnati. Learn more at CISEKids.org

 

CISE Party Highlights

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Party at the Pitch Highlights

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the 14th Annual CISE Party.
It was a big success with 243 guests joining us at the The Pitch View Club at TQL Stadium. Our guests were treated to an unforgettable evening, mingling, dancing, and enjoying the festivities and FC Cincinnati’s mascot, Gary the Lion, joined the party, adding even more fun to the event! In addition to the vibrant atmosphere and memorable moments, the event raised awareness and vital funds to support inner-city students right here in Cincinnati.

A great time was had by all! But don’t take our word for it, check out what some of our guests had to say.
“AMAZING!!! That was my first time attending a CISE party. I felt like royalty. Everyone was so accommodating. And the evening was so well organized. Talking with the other schools knowing that we shared so many of the same concerns and situations and getting ideas from their perspective was greatly appreciated. CISE is the reason we can do what we do. All children should have the opportunity and resources to be as successful as possible. Know that I am forever grateful for your support and the love of our children. God Bless All!” – Ginny Hampton, St. Boniface School 

“We had such a great time. I’m so glad we went! Next year we will definitely recruit more friends!” – Maura Hanke 

“What a fun event! Congratulations on a successful night. Gabriella and I had a ton of fun and learned so much about the CISE schools in the process.” – Sponsor Bahl & Gaynor, Derrick Kihembo 

“We appreciated being part of such a worthy cause.” – Tom D’Agnillo

Congratulations to our raffle winners! 
Friends of CISE Raffle
$10,000 cash – Andrew Kleiman 
$2,500 cash – Suzanne Hagedorn – donated to Winton Place Youth Center
$1,000 cash – Kathleen Wright – donated $500 back to CISE
$500 cash – Steve Rabe

Cuisine Raffle $1,000 – Carol Stevie

Bar Raffle $500 – Mary Kay Murphy

We can’t wait to see you at next year’s party!

11 High School Scholarships Funded

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11 High School Scholarships Funded

In the last newsletter, we announced the Brenda Hoskins Scholarship matching gift challenge in honor of her dear friend, Pete Bushelman. We are thrilled to report that 11 new high school scholarships have been added as a result of teh challenge. This means, thanks to our gnerous donors, 11 CISE students will receive a four-year scholarship to a Catholic high school.

Thank you to all who are giving children the opportunity to continue their Catholic education into high school! Contact Kelly Camm to learn more about how a high school scholarship can be created in your name or your family’s name.

Our donors clearly agreed with Pete Bushelman’s sentiment, “CISE is the most important cause in the city! It takes inner-city children and gives them an unparalleled education that changes their lives forever.”

Meet St. Cecilia Principal, Mike Goedde

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Meet St. Cecilia Principal, Mike Goedde

This is my 13th year at St. Cecilia. I have enjoyed my 31 years in education both at the administrative and teaching levels. I received my bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and my master’s degree in Administration from Xavier University. 

I feel fortunate to continue to be able to teach. Although I enjoy being a principal, my favorite part of my job remains my time in the classroom. I attribute my ability to manage teaching and administrative responsibilities to having a great staff. The fact that my Assistant Principal and I both teach, I believe, keeps us well grounded, allows us to better identify and understand the challenges that teachers confront, and gives us a good pulse of the culture within the school, all of which help to shape the vision for the school going forward.

My wife Marie and I reside in Loveland, Ohio. As empty nesters, we are looking forward to many years of travel and adventure in the years to come. In my spare time, I enjoy landscaping and gardening, travel, hiking, reading, birding, history, and all too infrequently, golfing.

CTE – Career and Technical Education

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Catholic Business Advisory Council

On March 19th, Dr. Mari Thomas, CISE CTE Consultant, gathered 26 educational and community leaders for the inaugural Catholic Business Advisory Council (BAC).

The purpose of the newly formed Catholic BAC is threefold: engage in dialogue, build a collective understanding, and begin to identify strategies that transform the student learning experience. One participant shared that this was an impressive and high-quality BAC with an economically diverse group of community partners. The energy and excitement to explore and build out business and educational partnerships was palpable. In the words of one BAC participant, the Catholic BAC “is doing good and necessary work.”

The next Catholic BAC will take place on May 14, 2024.

Matching Gift Challenge

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Matching Gift Challenge

The Brenda Hoskins and Pete Bushelman High School Scholarship was recently established to support a student throughout their four years of high school.

Since the inception of CISE, Pete Bushelman has been fundraising through the Friends of CISE Raffle, a legacy that endures to this day. His impact extends further, inspiring his late friend Brenda Hoskins to include CISE in her trust.

The Story: Brenda Hoskins, originally from Cheltenham, England, arrived in the US as a war bride with nothing but a dream and a determined spirit to succeed. Similar to the opportunities provided to children through scholarships to Catholic high schools, Brenda herself was given a chance when Pete Bushelman, her banker, demonstrated faith in her by granting her a business loan when all other banks had rejected her. Thanks to Pete’s compassionate gesture, Brenda went on to achieve success as a businesswoman, establishing and expanding several lucrative ventures. Her legacy lives on through a trust that honors the banker who became her cherished friend.

Pete Bushelman was one of the first business executives to accept the invitation of Archbishop Joseph Bernardin to join the CISE Advisory Board established in 1980. When the Advisory Board was formed, Pete was a Vice President at Central Trust Bank (now PNC). Pete never stopped helping CISE. He stayed on the Advisory Board for over two decades and started the first fundraiser for CISE, which was called the “Friends of CISE Raffle.” The raffle has raised over $2 million and is still in existence today. Pete’s relentless efforts have significantly impacted the lives of countless young individuals who received a solid academic and spiritual foundation at Catholic inner-city schools over the past 43 years.

The Brenda Hoskins and Pete Bushelman High School Scholarship was recently established to support a student throughout four years of high school. Brenda’s generous contribution aims to empower a CISE student to graduate with a robust and attainable plan for success.

In addition, Brenda’s trustees issued a matching gift challenge so that others can join in honoring the memories of both Brenda and Pete and contribute to making the dream of a four-year high school scholarship a reality for CISE student.

The need is growing: CISE anticipates over 100 incoming first-year students who will need a high school scholarship starting in the 2024-2025 school year.

Learn More

Meet Julie & Steve Hellebusch

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Meet Julie & Steve Hellebusch

Meet former Cincinnatians Julie and Steve Hellebusch. Julie and Steve have been faithful CISE donors since 2009. For many years, they were monthly donors, and despite moving to Texas for work in 2013, they have continued to donate to CISE regularly. 

Julie and Steve are both products of a great Catholic education. Julie graduated from Mt. Notre Dame High School in Cincinnati and Steve graduated from Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky. Both hold degrees from Thomas More University where they met, and Steve received an advanced degree at the University of Notre Dame.  

They learned about CISE when they and their children were parishioners at St. Gertrude. 

When asked why they continue to donate even though they have been residents of Texas for ten years, Steve replied, “We have always thought education is the way to bring about positive change, so we continue to support CISE!”

Thank you, Julie and Steve, for supporting your hometown with your continuous generosity.  

Paying It Forward: A CISE Scholar’s Journey of Gratitude

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Paying It Forward
A CISE Scholar’s Journey of Gratitude

Meet Bitanya Derese, a CISE alumna with a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Born in Ethiopia, the Derese family immigrated to the United States in 2007 with dreams of a better life. America was not just a new home, it was a land of opportunities. As an immigrant and a child of non-English-speaking parents, Bitanya faced many challenges. She recalls, “A lot of responsibility was attached to that. I had to serve as a translator for my parents and deal with many things that a kid wouldn’t know what to do with. I think that’s part of what made me so driven and independent today.”

The family settled in Cincinnati and Bitanya’s educational journey began at Holy Family Elementary, a CISE-supported school in Price Hill. Holy Family became a vital support system during the family’s early days in Cincinnati. More than just a school, the staff demonstrated genuine concern for the family’s well-being, including a dedicated secretary who even helped them find affordable housing.

At Holy Family, Bitanya received a CISE high school scholarship that enabled her to attend Seton High School. She thrived both academically and socially; actively participating in Hope Squad, a suicide prevention group, serving as a student ambassador and joining the diversity and inclusion club. Reflecting on her time at Holy Family and Seton, Bitanya expressed gratitude, “I’m really grateful that I got to go to a private school; it definitely set me up for success in life. Private Catholic education was not in my family’s budget at all. I also really appreciated the Catholic aspect of it. I am religious myself and the fact that I could take religion classes helped me to grow stronger in my faith.”

During her sophomore year, the Derese family visited their home village in Ethiopia, and Bitanya was deeply moved by the poverty she saw there. “The kids barely had anything,” she said. “They didn’t even know if they were going to eat the next day, but they were still joyful, happy kids. I realized how much we take for granted here.” This experience motivated Bitayna to take action. She began raising money for the cause, and with the guidance of her high school advocate, Jenny Jenkins, she created The Grateful Foundation, a nonprofit that helps the children of her village receive the basic supplies needed. “She’s a remarkable kid; the family has had some struggles along the way, but she’s very strong,” Jenkins reflects. “When she was at Seton, she organized out-of-uniform days and different fundraisers to collect money for the community in Ethiopia; she continues to work.” Through The Grateful Foundation, Bitanya has been able to raise thousands of dollars for the children in Ethiopia.

These days, you can find Bitanya attending the University of Cincinnati, where she is a 2nd-year honors student at Lindner Business School, studying marketing. She received the prestigious Cincinnatus Presidential Scholarship, awarded to only 10 students per year, covering full tuition, room and board, and books. “If you had told me in 7th grade at Holy Family that I would get a full-ride scholarship to college and have all of this, I would’ve been like ‘no way!’” Bitanya shares, “I think God placed this in my life on purpose. I think utilizing what falls in your lap and being appreciative is the thing that gets you far in life.” While marketing is her academic focus, Bitanya’s commitment to The Grateful Foundation remains a priority as she continues to raise money for the children of Ethiopia today.

When asked what drives her, Bitanya responds, “It’s my parents. I don’t know if I’d have the courage to sacrifice my whole life, getting up and moving to another country where you don’t even know the language. Just knowing that I’m making these milestones, getting scholarships, and really working for myself, I think it’s worth it for them. Their sacrifice is meaningful, I am actually utilizing what they came here to give me.”

Bitanya’s story embodies the spirit of paying it forward. From humble beginnings in Ethiopia to multiple-scholarship recipient to creating opportunities for others, her journey demonstrates the transformative power of education, faith, and working to make a difference. It reminds us that the greatest blessings come from being a source of blessings to others.