FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION NIGHT�SUPPORTING ACCESS & PARTNERSHIP FOR ALL FAMILIES��ST. PETERSBURG CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL�FEBRUARY 24^TH, 2026

OUR COMMITMENT

SPCHS is committed to making Catholic education accessible and affordable for families in our community.

• Our In-house tuition assistance supports families who demonstrate financial need calculated through FACTS, and is administered by the Financial Assistance Committee.
• While we strive to provide assistance, the primary financial responsibility for a student’s education rests with the parents or guardians. Each family is expected to make a meaningful financial commitment.

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TUITION ASSISTANCE

• State Scholarship - administered by Step Up for Students (SUFS)

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• Practicing Catholic Families
• CSTAG – Catholic School Tuition and Grant
• Mary C. Forbes Foundation

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• In House Tuition Assistance

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STATE SCHOLARSHIP�STEP UP FOR STUDENTS (SUFS)

• We partner with SUFS to participate in the State Scholarship Program. To maintain eligibility, the school undergoes an annual audit and submits required financial reports to the state in accordance with program guidelines.
• State applications are OPEN for all families regardless of financial need.
• Apply or renew at: stepupforstudents.org.
• Applications must be renewed annually.
• 25-26 FES-EO scholarships were granted at $7,770. Unique Abilities varies from $9,884 based on the specific UA.

SUFS APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Family Application Checklist
• How to apply to FES EO/FTC
• How to apply to FES UA FES UA Handbook
• FES UA accepted diagnosis:

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SUFS QUICK OVERVIEW

Parents/Guardians:

• Log onto stepupforstudents.org to setup (new applicants) or log into your EMA account and fill out the application.
• Once you’re awarded, you will be sent an email to log into EMA and accept the scholarship.
• After you accept the scholarship, send a screenshot of the award ID, student name, program type to scholarships@spchs.org. Put student name and ”Award ID” in subject line. Ex. (Shirley Temple – Award ID)

SPCHS:

• We will attach your student’s award to the SPCHS account. (May/June)

Parents/Guardians:

• Confirm SPCHS as your student’s school when you receive an enrollment email from SUFS.
• Approve Quarterly Invoices (Aug, Nov, Feb, April). You will receive an email from SUFS which you need to approve immediately. This will be done EVERY quarter. We do not get paid until you do this.

SPCHS:

Will receive funds 5-7 days after parent/guardian approval.

FACTS GRANT & AID APPLICATION

• One Application Provides Eligibility For:
• CSTAG (practicing Catholic families only)
• In House Tuition Assistance
• To apply go to: https://online.factsmgt.com/grant-aid/inst/3FHWT/landing-page
• Applications must be renewed annually.
• Awards are determined based on demonstrated financial need. This need is calculated by FACTS.
• 40% of families receive some sort of financial assistance.
• Award determinations are based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of allocated funds. Completed applications are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

HOW FINANCIAL NEED IS DETERMINED

• Income
• Assets
• Expenses
• Family size
• Number of children in other Catholic Schools
• Unusual or special financial circumstances
• FACTS Calculated need

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LINK TO FACTS GRANT & AID APPLICATION GUIDE

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Fill out application
• Documents that may be requested by FACTS:
• 2024 taxes
• 2025 taxes
• 2025 W2’s
• Cost to apply is $38 (non-refundable)
• FACTS then processes the application to determine need
• Once verified, your application goes to financial assistance committee
• Determination letter will be sent from FACTS

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MARY C. FORBES FOUNDATION - MCF

• This is a paper application ONLY. No applications will be accepted online. The Mary C. Forbes Foundation Website says it may be uploaded but it CANNOT be. It must be mailed.
• MCF can be stacked at the High School level.
• Once MCF receives your application, you will receive a RECEIPT LETTER from them.

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Any questions regarding MCF, please contact the foundation at 727-560-6788

IMPORTANT DATES

Everything is due APRIL 30^TH

• Award ID screenshot sent to scholarships@spchs.org
• Application & Uploads complete to FACTS Grant & Aid
• MCF paper application received at the foundation

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Determination dates:

Early determination letters to go out wk of March 2^nd

Final determination letters to go out wk of May 20^th

Tuition accounts setup in June

EXPECTATIONS FOR FAMILIES RECEIVING ASSISTANCE

• Parents
• Good financial standing with valid FACTS Tuition and Incidental account.
• Families should notify scholarships@spchs.org if any financial issues arise.
• Approve SUFS quarterly funding in timely manner.
• Complete parent service hours.
• Students
• Must keep at least 2.0 GPA.
• Complete student service hours.
• Cannot have any major discipline violations & minor discipline violations minimal.
• Must meet Tardy & Attendance guidelines outlined in the handbook.

CLOSING

Thank you for coming. We will email this presentation after tonight. Please take this time to get started and let us know if questions arise.