St. Joseph’s Prep Receives $5 Million Gift From The Howley Foundation

PHILADELPHIA -- St. Joseph’s Prep President Rev. John W. Swope, SJ, proudly announces a gift of $5 million from the Howley Foundation to support the For Others Forever Capital Campaign as well as scholarships for dozens of students. This gift is the largest ever made in the school’s 170-year history.

The Howley Foundation was established by Nick Howley, a 1970 graduate of the Prep, and his wife Lorie. The Foundation’s mission is to provide high-quality, educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged students as an integral part of addressing issues of equality and promoting upward social and economic mobility. Established nearly 20 years ago, the Foundation is focused on high-quality, primarily Catholic schools in Philadelphia, Nick’s hometown, and Cleveland, where the couple lives now, along with certain other networks. The Foundation strives to help students of limited economic means receive the best education possible. 

“St. Joseph’s Prep has had a lasting impact on me and I am proud to support the school,” says Nick Howley, Chairman of The Howley Foundation and Executive Chair/Founder of Transdigm Group Inc., a NYSE-listed producer of aerospace products. “Throughout its long history, St. Joseph’s Prep has been committed to providing a high-quality Jesuit education to the best and brightest students from across the socio-economic spectrum, and we look forward to continuing our support so that more students have access to a Prep education.” 

Over the past decade, the Howley Foundation has given scholarships to more than 60 Prep students who would not have been able to achieve a St. Joseph’s Prep education without this financial aid. In addition to financial support, Nick, Lorie and their daughter Meg Howley Mitkus are active in the lives of the Prep’s Howley Scholars, staying apprised of their academic progress, visiting school often and staying in touch.

“Supporting educational programs that directly address issues of equality and upward mobility are the central focus of The Howley Foundation,” says Howley. “By providing children and young adults access to a level of education and character formation they wouldn’t receive otherwise, we strive to fundamentally improve the outlook for their lives and subsequent generations.”

“Our Howley Scholars receive more than just tuition aid from the Howleys,” says Betsy Courtney, Chief Development Officer. “These scholars receive valuable mentoring and another support system to help them in their educational journey. It is a wonderful example of true philanthropy.”

The Howley Foundation’s gift will be split between the capital project -- which will transform the school’s current 50-year-old facility -- and increased funding for more scholarships as part of the Howley Scholars Program. 

“The For Others Forever campaign is an investment in the future of the Prep and is a commitment to enhancing the student learning experience as well as to our North Philadelphia neighborhood,” says Fr. Swope. “This gift from Nick, Lorie, Meg and the Howley Foundation will positively impact our school and the lives of our students for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and for their belief in the mission of St. Joseph’s Prep and the work being done at 17th and Girard by our faculty and students.”

Click here to watch the announcement video.

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About St. Joseph’s Prep — St. Joseph’s Preparatory School is a Catholic, urban, college preparatory school for boys in Philadelphia. In the tradition of the Jesuit priests who founded the school, the Prep’s mission is to develop the minds, hearts, souls and characters of young men in their pursuit of becoming Men for and with Others. For more information, go to www.sjprep.org

About The Howley Foundation — The Howley Foundation’s mission is to provide high quality, educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged students as an integral part of addressing issues of equality and promoting upward social and economic mobility. For nearly 20 years, the foundation has provided high quality educational opportunities to inner city students in Cleveland, Philadelphia, and other areas. 
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