A transformational gift will allow Catholic Central High School to create the Catholic Promise, a bold 10-year commitment to ensure Catholic Central is an affordable option for Catholic families. The Catholic Promise is made possible by the generous philanthropy of alumni couple Dan and Sherry Bowen, Class of 1984. The couple is making the largest single investment in Catholic high school education in diocesan history.
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, qualifying Catholic families will see annual tuition at Catholic Central reduced from about $13,000 to $6,000, indexed annually for inflation. Families registered and in good standing at a parish in the Diocese of Grand Rapids may apply by submitting a statement of household income. If their income is $300,000 or less, the Catholic Promise Fund covers every dollar of tuition beyond the $6,000 family contribution.
“The Catholic Promise is not only a blessing to individual families, but also an investment in the spiritual and social fabric of West Michigan,” said Greg Deja, president of Catholic Central. “We rejoice in what the Holy Spirit is stirring in our community, give thanks to God for the extraordinary generosity behind this initiative, and invite all to join us in celebrating this announcement.”
“Our story begins with gratitude,” said the Bowens. “Our parents before us, ourselves, and now our children are Catholic school graduates. The friendships we treasure, the values we live by, and the paths of our lives were profoundly shaped by Catholic education. Rather than wait for government vouchers or legislative relief, we believe our Church community can act today. The Catholic Promise is not a judgment on public schools, but a pledge to preserve a vital option for
families who want an education that interweaves faith with knowledge.”
“I sincerely thank Dan and Sherry Bowen for their tremendous gift to Catholic education in the Diocese of Grand Rapids,” said Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids. “The Bowen’s gift powerfully advances our efforts to make a Catholic school education attainable for families who desire it, which has been a priority of mine over the past decade. It is my fervent hope and prayer that their generosity will inspire others to step forward in support of our Catholic schools.”
The Catholic Promise seeks to ensure:
● A faith-filled, high-quality Catholic high school education for any family seeking it.
● Your child’s faith-filled education is reduced from financial strain.
● That students are challenged to grow into capable, caring leaders through Catholic Central’s spiritual, academic, athletic, and personal formation.
● That the hallowed traditions of Catholic Central continue to shape the next generation of Catholic youth in West Michigan.
The Catholic Promise is guaranteed for the next ten years, with the intent to sustain the program beyond the 10-year commitment based on its success.
Applications for the Catholic Promise open Nov. 1. Families are encouraged to learn more, check
eligibility, and attend upcoming information sessions. More information can be found at catholicpromise.org.
Learn more:
About the intention behind the Bowen’s gift
About Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
