Like Me program at Lourdes University receives grant funding from the Sisters of St. Francis

Lourdes University has received $50,000 from the Sisters of St. Francis for its Like Me program, which aims to create a pathway for students of color to go on to become teachers themselves. The program intends to address the large disparity that exists between the number of students of color and the number of teachers of color and help diversify the educator workforce.

According to an article on Lourdes University’s website, Angelica Johnson, M.A., who is the program coordinator of the Like Me program, explained the impact the grant will have on the program’s efforts, saying, “This grant not only supports students of color at Lourdes but impacts our partner districts, including Toledo Public Schools, Washington Local School District, Springfield Local School District, Sylvania City School District, Perrysburg Exempted School District, Fostoria City School District, Tiffin University, and Owens Community College.”

Vince Laverick, Ed.D., who is the Chair of the Division of Education, commented on the grant, saying, “The generous donation from The Greater Toledo Community Foundation and the Sisters of St. Francis will allow the Like Me program to continue its mission to attract, prepare, and mentor students of color. Currently, 11 Lourdes education students of color are positively impacted by the donation, and we are working to support the recruitment of 10 more students of color for the fall of 2024.”

The program was launched in 2021, and this is the third consecutive year the program has received monetary support. The Sisters of St. Francis Foundation Fund lent its support to the program due to its mission of creating communities wherein everyone has the ability to thrive. 

For more information about Lourdes University, visit the school’s website.