Fitzgerald Program

The Fitzgerald Program offers tuition assistance to 9th-12th grade students currently enrolled in or applying to a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic schools.

Fitzgerald Award Application Timeline

Applications Open: October 1, 2026
Application Deadline: December 14, 2026

All application materials must be submitted by December 14 to be considered.

Current Fitzgerald Scholarship Recipients

Students currently receiving a Fitzgerald Award need to complete a FACTS Financial Aid & Assessment Form online. 

The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) will contact each participating school to verify the student’s re-enrollment for the upcoming school year. Schools will provide the necessary confirmation on the student’s behalf. 

It is not necessary to complete the Fitzgerald Program Application 

New Applicants

New Fitzgerald Grant Applicants must complete each of the following to be considered: 

  1. Complete FACTS Financial Aid & Assessment Form online. Available HERE. - Please note: In addition to meeting the Fitzgerald Scholarship requirement, a completed FACTS Financial Aid & Assessment Form makes the applicant eligible for the Archdiocese of Washington tuition assistance. 
  2. Completed Fitzgerald Program application. Available HERE
  3. Complete one  leadership appraisal from school officials, such as the principal, assistant principal, teachers, counselors, or librarian. Available HERE
  4. Write and submit a 500-word essay about how your Catholic education has influenced your leadership and identity using one of the following prompts: 
  • “How can you live out your faith in daily life as an 8th grader, and what lessons from Jesus’ teachings inspire you to make a positive difference in your community?”  
  • “What does it mean to you to be created in the image and likeness of God, and how does this understanding shape the way you treat others?”  
  • “What role does prayer play in your relationship with God, and how can it help you grow spiritually as you prepare for high school?” 

If you are applying to a Catholic school for the first time, please explain how you envision that a Catholic education will influence your leadership and identity. 

Note: Applicants may not use any artificial intelligence in the writing of this essay 

Upload and submit the essay.  Available HERE

For questions regarding the Fitzgerald Award, please contact [email protected].

The Fitzgerald Award honors students who have proven leadership characteristics that the Catholic Church and Catholic schools wish to foster. Students must demonstrate financial need and show promise as future leaders for our Church and society to be eligible. The award amount is $1,000. Applications open in October and close in December.