Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children raises $91K scholarship fund

The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) was successful in raising $91,000. (Photo by Alexander Grey from Unsplash)

The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) was successful in raising $91,000, which was $16,000 higher than its target amount, on Tuesday, March 14, at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Newark.

It aims to raise money to provide partial tuition assistance scholarships for disadvantaged students enrolled in Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Newark.

The event took place during its first-ever Irish-American Leadership Breakfast.

SFIC Awardees

According to an article from the Jersey Catholic, the SFIC presented awards to James P. McTernan and Sister Patricia M. Wormann, two proud Irish Americans, recognizing their lifelong dedication to education.

"We are proud of our numerous Irish-American supporters, and many of our founders are Irish-American," said Dr. Michelle L. Hartman, the chief executive officer of SFIC.

She added that the awarding during St. Patrick's Day was in time for their 40th-anniversary celebration for the Irish-American supporters' contribution to the organization.

O.P. McTernan, who has since retired as managing director at Millennium Partners, LLC, is a trustee for the SFIC and Oratory Prep in Summit.

At this time, Sister Wormann serves as the Archdiocese's delegate for the religious.

Her past positions included teacher, guidance counselor, and campus preacher at several schools and universities around the Northeast.

In addition to commemorating the two Irish-American pioneers, the staff of the SFIC presented McTernan and Sister Wormann with unique presents purchased with money that came from the staff's funds.

McTernan was given glasses made of Waterford crystal, and Sister Wormann was given a surprise trip to Ireland as an airplane ticket. The present particularly struck Sister Wormann.

She told the SFIC that she had long longed to return to Ireland since she received it.

Hartman stated they are honored to have Jim McTernan and Sister Pat Wormann as representatives this year since they serve as exemplary models of Irish-American community leadership.

As mentioned, around 150 guests dined on Irish bacon, soda bread, scones, and other cultural specialties before watching Irish musicians and step dancers perform.

Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children

The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) was established in 1983 under the Fund for Educational Progress.

It is a charitable organization that receives financial support from businesses, foundations, and individuals who desire to invest in the brighter future of economically disadvantaged children who live in the communities surrounding San Francisco.

Many inner-city children's lives have been improved due to the Fund's efforts.

As reported, almost 51,000 students have received over 51,200,000 dollars in partial tuition support from the SFIC.

The SFIC aims to give disadvantaged children the opportunity to receive a good education centered on morals and ethics while maintaining their physical and emotional well-being.

Children from low-income families who live in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, or Union counties and are enrolled in private or religious schools can apply for aid from the Fund to cover a portion of their tuition costs.

All applicants are considered for awards based on their financial needs, regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.