From the Field

Federal law clearly states that each public school district must serve eligible children, whether they attend public, Catholic, or other private schools.  ACE Consulting Federal Grant Access Initiative works closely with (arch)dioceses to assist them in obtaining equitable services from federal education programs. Through a survey of principals' experiences in obtaining federal education program services for their students, ACE Consulting gathers the data from dioceses and states across the country. Based on this information, Michelle and the ACE Consulting team make recommendations to the (arch)diocese for filling the gaps between what should be provided to their students and what is provided to their students. 

In the past two and a half years, ACE Consulting has conducted studies in 42 (arch) dioceses or other groups of private schools in 15 states.  As a result of the studies, and follow-up technical assistance by ACE Consulting, Catholic school students are receiving almost $17 million in services that previously were unavailable.

Michelle Doyle leads the Federal Grants Initiative for ACE Consulting. She's worked with and for Catholic schools for more than 25 years. She has served as the primary education advocate for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Director of the United States Department of Education’s Office of Non-Public Education, and was a diocesan Assistant Superintendent of Schools and a Catholic school principal and teacher. Michelle offered these words about her efforts thus far, "Working alongside dedicated (arch) diocesan staff to secure these needed services for children makes this work personally rewarding for me.  We're working together to ensure a bright future for so many Catholic school students."