Mount St. Mary's University, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, has taken a significant step towards enhancing educational accessibility by forming a partnership with Saint John Vianney High School. This collaboration is formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that guarantees admission and renewable scholarships for eligible graduates from Saint John Vianney. This initiative aims to create a seamless transition for students from high school to a university-level education while emphasizing the importance of high-quality Catholic education.
Dr. Gerard "Jerry" Joyce, the president of Mount St. Mary's University, expressed his pride in giving Saint John Vianney High School students the opportunity for higher education at Mount. His personal experience as a parent of five children who were educated in Catholic institutions underscores his belief in the value of this educational model. The partnership aims not only to provide academic opportunities but also to foster spiritual growth and a sense of community for students within the university setting.
The MOU stipulates that graduates of Saint John Vianney High School who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet the admission requirements will be guaranteed a spot at Mount St. Mary's University. Additionally, eligible students can receive renewable scholarships ranging from $27,000 to $35,000 annually, potentially amounting to a total of $108,000 to $140,000 over four years. This substantial financial support makes higher education more attainable for families, reinforcing the institutions' commitment to affordability and accessibility.
Steven DiMezza, president of Saint John Vianney High School, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting shared goals of intellectual growth, personal development, and service to others. The collaboration is expected to open new avenues for students and strengthen the ties between the high school and the university in the years to come.
In addition to guaranteed admission and scholarships, eligible students who apply by May 1 will have the opportunity to receive $5,000 Catholic High School Scholarships. The collaboration will also allow for dedicated visits to the Mount St. Mary's University campus, admissions workshops, and meetings with counselors to facilitate student applications.
Other benefits stemming from this partnership may encompass:
- - Waived application fees for qualifying applicants
- - Priority consideration for additional scholarships
- - Instant or expedited decisions regarding admissions
- - Exclusive opportunities for campus visits
- - Dedicated admissions support for students from participating schools
Families eager to understand more about the eligibility criteria and advantages of this partnership are encouraged to reach out to the Mount St. Mary’s University Office of Admissions. They can be contacted via email or by visiting the university's admissions website.
This collaboration stands as a testament to the institutions' shared commitment to making quality education accessible for all students, reinforcing the values of faith and personal development foundational to their missions.