April 1, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2025
Queens, NY. The School of Education at St. John’s University, in partnership with the Diocese of Brooklyn, is proud to announce the launch of the Future Catholic School Teacher Scholarship, an initiative designed to cultivate exemplary educators committed to teaching in Catholic schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn. This selective scholarship opportunity will commence in fall 2025 and is available exclusively to undergraduate students aspiring to pursue a teaching career within the Diocese.
The scholarship awards $10,000 (distributed as $2,500 per year over four years of undergraduate study) to selected students who enroll in a teacher preparation program at St. John’s University. Scholarship recipients must sign an agreement committing to teach for at least four (4) years in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Brooklyn immediately following graduation.
“It is vital that St. John’s and our School of Education have a strong partnership with New York City area Catholic schools,” said Dean James Wolfinger. “This program puts substantial resources in place to attract excellent students who want to teach in Catholic schools. In their preparation here at St. John’s and in their careers in the Brooklyn schools after graduation, they will be great assets to the Catholic school community. We are very excited to launch this excellent program that meets a critical need for families and schools in the New York City metro area.”
“The School of Education at St. John’s University is proud to continue its longstanding and invaluable partnership with the Diocese of Brooklyn through the launch of the Future Catholic School Teacher Scholarship,” added Dr. Katherine C. Aquino, Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to nurturing exceptional educators who are not only academically prepared but also deeply rooted in the values of Catholic education. By investing in the development of dedicated teachers, we are ensuring that students within the Diocese of Brooklyn receive the inspiration, guidance, and quality education they deserve. Together, we are building a future where Catholic schools remain vibrant communities of faith, learning, and growth.”
This selective scholarship can be combined with other financial aid awards, including the Catholic Scholars Program, a four-year developmental initiative that fosters faith-based leadership. Catholic Scholars receive an annual grant of $5,000 (totaling $20,000 over four years) and engage in leadership training, service, prayer, and a deeper understanding of Catholic-inspired leadership. These students assume significant leadership roles within St. John’s University’s community of faith and service.
"It is of the utmost importance that we, as a Catholic university, support the Diocese of Brooklyn by creating opportunities for our aspiring teachers to become Catholic educators. By doing so, we will enhance the already high level of educational excellence that our Catholic schools provide," shared Robert DiNardo, Director of the Institute for Catholic Schools.
Upon completion of an undergraduate education degree at St. John’s and subsequent employment within the Diocese of Brooklyn, scholarship recipients can further their professional development through additional opportunities:
- Catholic School Educator Grant: St. John’s University offers a 40-percent tuition reduction to full-time Catholic school teachers and administrators pursuing one master’s degree, advanced certificate, or doctoral degree.
- Catholic School Teaching Scholarship: Full-time Catholic school teachers and administrators in the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Brooklyn, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre enrolled in a graduate education program may apply for this scholarship. Eligible applicants (who must be baptized Roman Catholics) receive a 30-percent reduction in tuition, which can be combined with the 40-percent Catholic School Educator Grant.
The Future Catholic School Teacher Scholarship reaffirms St. John’s University and the Diocese of Brooklyn’s dedication to developing future educators who will uphold and enrich the mission of Catholic education for generations to come.
For further information on the application deadline and process, please contact Robert DiNardo, Director, Institute for Catholic Schools, at dinardr1@stjohns.edu or call 718.990.1301.
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