Cathedral High School has received a $586,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative. This is one of 36 implementation grants being awarded through phase 2 of the initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school.
Through Cathedral High School’s Matthew 22 Initiative, which Cathedral is able to launch with the Lilly Endowment grant, Cathedral will do the following:
- Expand student learning support through targeted tutoring, mentoring, and enhanced instructional strategies.
- Redesign our counseling services to provide comprehensive academic, social-emotional, and college and career readiness support.
- Implement career pathways and innovative learning experiences in partnership with Skyepack, Ivy Tech, Marian University, Struggle Made Us, and the Center for Leadership Development.
- Deepen faith formation and student wholeness, ensuring that students grow not just in knowledge but in purpose and leadership.
“The Matthew 22 Initiative strengthens Cathedral’s mission to educate both hearts and minds,” said Cathedral President Rob Bridges. “Thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc., we’ll deepen student support, expand career pathways, and enhance faith formation—ensuring every student is equipped to lead with purpose, resilience, and faith.”
Lilly Endowment is making grants to public schools in Indianapolis through a separate, complementary initiative.
About Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.