Dr. Jami Curley, Dean of the Lourdes University College of Social Sciences, announced a new grant for its Like Me program dedicated to diversifying the educator workforce. The $50,000 one-year grant is awarded by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation through the Sylvania Sisters of St. Francis Donor Advised Fund.

“This generous donation allows the Education Division to further strengthen the Like Me Program. As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, Lourdes has proudly prepared teachers for several decades,” said Vincent Laverick, Ed.D., chair of the Education Division.

In August 2022, Lourdes welcomed the program’s inaugural Like Me cohort.

“These students and aspiring teachers bring enthusiasm and optimism to the University and to the education industry. They are the first of hopefully many who will provide a more diverse teacher population to the region and beyond. It’s important to provide these talented individuals with the tools needed to succeed,” noted Angelica Johnson, M.A., Like Me program coordinator.

To support the students’ educational efforts, they are receiving intensive advising and are mentored by an educator of color in one of four partner school districts – Springfield, Washington Local, Sylvania, and Toledo Public. Each student also receives a scholarship as well as a monthly stipend.