Notre Dame, IN — The University of Notre Dame’s ALMA Initiative (Advancing Latino and Multilingual Achievement), part of the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) and the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI), has been awarded a $464,000 grant from the Catholic Extension Society. This four-year grant will expand ALMA’s support of the Hernandez Fellows and the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) in underserved Catholic schools across rural and mission dioceses in the United States.
The grant will directly support the recruitment, formation, and ongoing professional development of Catholic school educators and leaders—known as Hernández Fellows—who serve in communities with significant English learner student populations. It will also enable the expansion of the Latino Enrollment Institute, which equips school leaders with research-based strategies to increase Latino enrollment and foster culturally sustaining school environments.
“This generous support from the Catholic Extension Society is a tremendous affirmation of our shared commitment to the flourishing of Latino students and multilingual learners in Catholic schools, especially in rural communities that are too often overlooked,” said Dr. Katy Lichon, director of the ALMA Initiative and a faculty member of the Institute for Educational Initiatives. “By investing in both people and programs, this partnership enables us to further the mission of Catholic education as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural belonging.”
The ALMA Initiative advances research, practice, and leadership formation to support English learners and Latino students in PK–12 Catholic schools. With this new funding, ALMA will strengthen its national network of Hernandez Fellows while deepening collaboration with diocesan leaders, Catholic school principals, and families.
“This work stands at the heart of our mission to serve the Church and the most vulnerable,” said Dr. John Staud, executive director of ACE. “We are grateful to the Catholic Extension Society for making this important investment in Catholic education and for helping to ensure that Latino and linguistically diverse students in mission dioceses are embraced, served, and empowered.”
“We are proud to support the ALMA Initiative as it develops and empowers educators and school leaders who are transforming the lives of culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families in mission dioceses across the country,” said Erika Cedrone, Assistant Vice President of Mission at the Catholic Extension Society. “This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening Catholic faith communities in underserved regions.”
Founded in 1905, the Catholic Extension Society supports the work and ministries of the Catholic Church in the poorest areas of the United States. Its mission aligns closely with ACE’s efforts to sustain and strengthen Catholic schools serving historically marginalized populations.
About the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)
Founded in 1993, the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame works to sustain, strengthen, and transform Catholic schools. ACE forms teachers and leaders; develops and disseminates innovative tools and research to integrate academic excellence and spiritual growth; and enhances financial accessibility and operational vitality to ensure that all children—especially those in historically marginalized communities—have the opportunity to experience the gift of an excellent Catholic education. ACE annually serves more than 300 schools and 250,000 students in over 40 states. Learn more at ace.nd.edu.
About the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI)
Founded in 1996, the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) consists of more than two dozen initiatives that strive to improve education for all youth, particularly the disadvantaged, paying special, though not exclusive, attention to Catholic schools. Through research, the formation of teachers and leaders, and direct service to educational systems, the IEI’s scholars and practitioners pursue interdisciplinary collaborations to better understand and improve PK–12 education in the United States and around the world. To learn more, visit iei.nd.edu.