Inspired by Archbishop John Ireland’s vision of equality, Ireland’s Promise is a summer enrichment program committed to expanding academic opportunity for students from under-resourced communities. Our mission is to level the educational playing field by offering access to rigorous instruction and pathways to future success in a supportive environment.
We recognize that brilliance exists in every community and are dedicated to helping young scholars thrive—regardless of their financial means or previous access to academic enrichment. By nurturing academic achievement, confidence, and college readiness, we aim to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students who are first-generation college-bound or from families with limited income.
About the Program
Ireland’s Promise Summer Prep Program offers a springboard to academic success for students entering grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. Participants will receive instruction in math and/or English in a small group setting designed to meet their individual needs and build core academic skills. (Note: the Language Lab course is only open to rising 9th graders and above.) The program also builds community and encourages students to take ownership of their learning.
Instruction is provided at no cost to eligible families. However, due to limited funding, transportation and lunch are not currently included.
Students may enroll in up to two sessions (4 weeks each) as part of the Summer Prep offerings, which run in June and July.
We Support Students Who:
- Are boys entering grades 6 through 9
- Are from under-resourced or historically marginalized communities
- Will be among the first in their families to attend college
- Show average or above-average proficiency in math and English
- Would not otherwise be able to afford tuition for academic enrichment opportunities
What’s Covered
Participants who are accepted into the Ireland’s Promise Summer Prep program will receive full tuition for up to two sessions of summer coursework. The program also covers all necessary classroom supplies, with the exception of a laptop or tablet, as students are expected to bring their own device (BYOD). For those who do not have access to a personal device, temporary loaner devices can be arranged for the duration of the summer.
While transportation and lunch are not included this year due to funding limitations, all instructional costs are fully covered at no expense to the family.
Beyond the Summer
Students who complete the program during the summer before 8th grade are eligible to apply for a grant scholarship to attend Saint Thomas Academy. The grant is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may help cover tuition, transportation, lunch, uniforms, technology, and other school-related fees, depending on the family’s financial circumstances.
As they continue at Saint Thomas Academy, participants may have the opportunity to complete up to 60 college credit hours during high school, which could significantly reduce their future college tuition costs. Additionally, Saint Thomas Academy graduates have collectively earned millions of dollars in academic scholarships toward college.
test
Support Irelands Promise
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do the academic courses consist of?
- What materials are provided?
- Are there scholarship opportunities beyond the summer?
- Are Summer Classes Remedial?
- Is There an Attendance Requirement?
- Does participation in the Ireland’s Promise Summer Prep program require students to apply to Saint Thomas Academy?
What do the academic courses consist of?
What materials are provided?
Are there scholarship opportunities beyond the summer?
Are Summer Classes Remedial?
Is There an Attendance Requirement?
Does participation in the Ireland’s Promise Summer Prep program require students to apply to Saint Thomas Academy?
Program Coordinator
Jenny Honan Abarquez
651-683-1578
jhonan@cadets.com
Required