Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Washington Jesuit Academy
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: WJA
Mailing Address: 900 Varnum Street NE
City: Washington
State: DC
Postal Code: 20017
Main Phone: 202-832-7679
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wjacademy.org
Employer ID Number: 525336694
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3 Public Charity

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/10/2022
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Washington Jesuit Academy Graduate Support Program
Project Description:

Founded in 2002, the Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA) is a tuition-free independent middle school for young men from under-resourced communities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. WJA’s mission is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive education that advances students’ intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. Through an extended-day, year-round program, WJA offers a safe and consistent learning environment that combines rigorous academics with holistic support, including three nutritious meals a day; academic enrichment, extracurricular clubs, and athletics; socioemotional support from counselors/social workers; and ongoing support for alumni. WJA welcomes students regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion, but their families must demonstrate financial need, meeting approximately the same criteria as the National School Lunch Program.

WJA’s overarching goal is to prepare underserved young men for the opportunities and challenges of high school, college, and career so they can break the cycle of poverty. Through a dedicated Graduate Support program, WJA provides academic and social support to over 325 alumni from 17 cohorts. From visiting alumni at their high schools each month to providing free ACT and SAT test-prep to accompanying alumni and their families through the college admissions and financial aid process, the Graduate Support team (which includes one WJA alumnus) empowers students to fullfill their potential. The program’s philosophy is to “educate, empower, encourage, and engage – without enabling” so each young man develops a strong sense of self-determination.

With this combined approach of creating a strong academic foundation during the pivotal middle school years and providing ongoing support to alumni, WJA shares the Hermanowski Family Foundation’s commitment to improving and transforming the lives of children and young adults. Compared to 65% of males in DC, 99% of WJA alumni graduate from high school. Currently, 90% of WJA alumni are enrolled in college or trade school or contributing to the workforce.

Total Project Budget: $456,197

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): During WJA’s current fiscal year (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022), WJA has received a $5,000 grant for the Graduate Support program from St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean, VA. For potential funding, WJA has submitted the following requests for the Graduate Support program during the current fiscal year: Herb Block Foundation $20,000; Holy Trinity Catholic Church Washington, DC $20,000; Raskob Foundation $25,000; and University Club of Washington DC Foundation $5,000. WJA expects to allocate $278,997 of its unrestricted funds raised to the Graduate Support program this fiscal year.

Project Duration: The Graduate Support program has been a critical, ongoing component of WJA’s model since WJA’s inaugural class graduated in 2005. As part of WJA’s current strategic plan, WJA will increase total enrollment to 150 students by 2026, necessitating an increase in Graduate Support services. Capacity building efforts for the Graduate Support program began in 2021 with the addition of a fifth full-time program staff member.
Geographical Area Served: WJA serves young men from under-resourced communities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. WJA’s students primarily live in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the District of Columbia and in neighboring Prince George’s County, MD, some of the area’s most under-resourced and historically marginalized communities. Among those areas, the alarming child poverty rates range from 13% to 43% (Annie E. Casey Foundation).
Age Group To Be Served: WJA serves 115 students in grades four through eight (ages 9 to 14) as well as over 300 alumni (ages 14 and above) from 17 cohorts.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Catherine
Contact Last Name: McCafferty
Contact Title: Foundation and Corporate Relations Director
Contact Phone: 202-832-7679, ext. 246
Contact Email: cmccafferty@wjacademy.org