MESA Board of Directors Announces Goal of Opening New Mercy School

The Mercy Education System of the Americas Board of Directors, in partnership with the Drexel Fund, is pleased to announce their goal of opening a new Mercy-sponsored career pathways high school for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The high school, which would be funded by a state’s public voucher program, would serve students and families who, because of systemic oppression, lack access to a meaningful pathway to a living wage. The school would welcome students with interest in health sciences, offering superior vocational training alongside a robust academic program and bolstering students’ desire to continue their education post-graduation in this highly sought-after field.

“We are hopeful that this new high school will bring real and durable change to the community in which it resides,” said Terry Quinn, MESA board chair.

Next steps in the project include feasibility studies of two potential localities for the new school to ensure diocesan support and sustainable funding through the public voucher program. The board is also looking into potential facilities and creating a job description for the head of school, which will be available soon.

The MESA Board is grateful to the Drexel Fund, a nonprofit venture philanthropy fund, for its support of this effort. The board will continue to share updates in MESA Flash about this exciting initiative.

Catherine McAuley’s passion for service emboldened her to look for creative ways to meet new needs. The board welcomes the prayers of the MESA community that Catherine may guide and inspire them as they continue their work to serve a new population of students and families who are vulnerable.