“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Every child hears that question. By senior year, it leads to a long list of decisions: which colleges to apply to, how to pay for them, what to study, and whether to pursue a skilled trade, military service, or the workforce. At our diocesan high schools, students never face those decisions alone.
Across our six high schools, the Class of 2026:
• Graduated at a rate of 99%, well above state averages.
• Sent more than 92% of graduates to college, with others entering the military, trade programs, or workforce.
• Earned more than $102 million in college scholarship offers.
• Gave more than 53,000 hours of community service.
That success begins long before senior year. Our four-year counseling programs guide students through academic planning, career exploration, college selection, financial aid and admissions, college fairs, career days, FAFSA help, scholarship resources, and essay and application workshops. Counselors know students by name, making guidance personal rather than one-size-fits-all.
“My team and I begin working with our students in ninth grade. We get to know each student as an individual. Ultimately, we want each student to feel excited for what comes next and confident that they are prepared,” said Josh Ditsky, Director of College and Career Counseling at Berks Catholic High School, Reading.
Our students benefit from more than 40 college partnerships offering guaranteed admission and scholarships, many requiring a 3.0 GPA. Colleges make these guarantees because Catholic high schools have proven academic rigor and calculate GPAs using college-preparatory required classes.
For families, that means classroom achievement brings savings and opportunities. Through dual enrollment with DeSales University, Lehigh University, Cedar Crest College, Mount St. Mary’s University (Emmitsburg, Md.), and others, students earn college credits while still in our classrooms, graduate with college credits, lower future tuition costs, and build confidence in their ability to succeed at the next level.
Our schools embrace paths beyond the lecture hall. Through internships, job shadowing, mentoring, and partnerships with healthcare systems, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders, students explore healthcare, engineering, business, education, and the skilled trades.
Signature programs, including healthcare pathways, career expos, alumni mentoring and entrepreneurship experiences, help them identify their interests and build practical skills. Hundreds of college representatives visit our schools each year, and our college fairs bring together universities, military representatives, and career organizations.
Of course, a Catholic education asks a bigger question than “Where will you go to college?” It asks, “Who is God calling you to be?”
Our goal extends beyond acceptance letters to helping students discover their God-given gifts and a path of service. Through annual discernment, class retreats, Eucharistic Adoration, Forty Hours devotions, regular Mass, and ready access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, students deepen their relationship with Christ and discern their future.
Whether called to marriage, religious life, ordained ministry, military service, a skilled trade or a professional career, graduates see their future as both personal achievement and a response to God’s call.
Students say the individualized support makes a lasting difference. “They encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and explore opportunities, including colleges I never imagined touring,” said Ennybel Mejia, Class of 2027. “When I shared my goals, they guided me and helped me take steps toward making them a reality.”
As higher education and the workforce change, our high schools remain committed to preparing students for college, careers, and life. Through faith-based education, personal counseling, strong college partnerships, and real-world experience, we prepare students to pursue a bright future and make a difference.
By Cara Meskill, Director of Enrollment and Marketing, diocesan Office of Education.
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