Scholarship Information
Wondering if you can afford Bishop McNamara? The answer is YES! Bishop McNamara offers tuition assistance as well as scholarship opportunities for all students. Bishop McNamara is committed to providing a quality Catholic education. Below is a highlight of some of the scholarships that are offered to incoming Bishop McNamara students.
The President's Scholarship
Any student that completes the Placement Exam and earns a national percentile score of 75% or higher, qualifies to receive a $750-$1500 scholarship for the duration of their high school career, so long as they meet the academic and disciplinary qualifications.
Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship
Available to incoming Catholic freshmen with financial need. To apply for this scholarship, students should visit the Diocese of Joliet website at cefjoliet.org/kazma-family-scholarship. Applicants must also have applied for FACTS. Those selected as Kazma recipients will have $4,000 - $6,000 applied to their BMCS high school tuition annually. Grades must be maintained to renew this scholarship each year. The deadline for the Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship is March 1, 2021.
The Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation Scholarship
Available to incoming freshman, the dollar amount of each recipient’s scholarship varies based on demand and need. Once awarded, the scholarship amount is set for all four years of high school. Applicants should demonstrate positive leadership and character through their involvement in school, community and church activities; willingness to be an active member of the Bishop McNamara Catholic School community; commitment to do one’s best in the classroom and financial need. Deadline to apply is March 26, 2021. Applications are available online here.
The Pat & Paula Keigher Scholarship Fund
Available to incoming freshmen students with a financial need./ To apply for their scholarship, students should fill out the scholarship application provided by Bishop McNamara. Those selected will receive $2,500 applied to their BMCS high school tuition annually. Grades must be maintained to renew this scholarship each year. the deadline to apply for the Pat & Paul Keigher Scholarship Fund is March 1, 2021.
The Cuneo Scholarship
Cuneo Foundation Scholarships are need-based to assist students in Catholic high schools and colleges and universities in the greater Chicago region. These scholarships are designated for young men and women who exhibit academic excellence, a passion for service, and a desire to help create a more just society. School administrators identify students to be considered for a scholarship.
Catholic Education Foundation Scholarship
Available to students whose families are within the Diocese of Joliet. Scholarships are awarded annually to recipients. Scholarships are awarded by applying to FACTS online. Visit bishopmac.com and select quick links, then select FACTS Aid. For additional, information, please visit the Diocese of Joliet website here. The deadline for the FACTS Aid application is March 1, 2021.
Bishop Blanchette CCW Scholarship
Awarded to Catholic students that complete the application and qualify. Applications are available from your parish Council of Catholic Women (CCW).
Ken Klipp Classic 5K Run/2M Walk Scholarship
Available to two incoming freshman students (one male and one female) with a passion for Bishop McNamara Catholic School. Two scholarships in the amount of $250 will be awarded to one incoming freshman male student and one incoming freshman female student. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2021. Please contact Kelsey McGrath at kmcgrath@bmcss.org for more information.
Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Students from families with limited financial resource and income up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, are eligible to receive a tax credit scholarship. Returning scholarship recipients can make up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Before April 1, priority will be given to students from each of the following categories:
- Members of a household whose previous year's total annual income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level ($46,435 for a family of 4); OR
- Reside within a focus district; OR
- Received a scholarship from a scholarship granting organization during the previous school year; OR
- Siblings of a current scholarship recipient.
After April 1, all other qualifying students will be considered for scholarships, subject to availability of funds.