Latino Outreach for Catholic Schools
National authorities in the area of Latino outreach for Catholic schools, including Rev. Joseph V. Corpora, C.S.C., Director of University-School Partnerships in the Alliance for Catholic Education program at the University of Notre Dame, tell us that the “face of America is changing,” since Latinos comprise the fastest growing school aged population and are the fastest growing minority in the country. Currently, Hispanics make up 17% of the U.S. population at over 50 million, and their numbers have grown by 11 million in just the last ten years. One out of every 4 school children is now Latino, and 57% of Catholics below the age of ten are Hispanic. Clearly, this presents Catholic schools with an opportunity for both evangelization and enrollment growth, especially considering what is known as the “Catholic School Advantage.” These are the benefits to Latinos of attending Catholic schools, illustrated by their 47% graduation rate from public schools, but their 96% graduation rate from Catholic schools!
The resources below will assist schools in effectively reaching out to the growing Hispanic population in a culturally responsive way. Schools are encouraged to review the data developed by the University of Notre Dame (links found below), as well as the best practices shared with the Archdiocese of Hartford by Fr. Corpora.
Hispanic Outreach: Archdiocese of Hartford Success Stories
University of Notre Dame Resources
- The Catholic School Advantage: The Campaign to Improve Educational Opportunities for Latino Children
- To Nurture the Soul of a Nation (Report)
- Renewing Our Greatest and Best Inheritance (Report)
- Catholic School Advantage Fact Sheet
- Getting Started – for Principals
- Getting Started – for Pastors
- The Catholic School Latino Enrollment Growth Map (find out where it’s working)
Additional Resources:
- Latino Outreach Best Practices from Rev. Joseph V. Corpora, C.S.C
- Sample Job Descriptions for Staff involved in Latino outreach:
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