Our Work

This week, we hosted our annual CSF Bus Tour and had the privilege of visiting Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy – Columbia Campus with CSF donors, board members, Young Leader Committee members, and staff. The visit provided a powerful, firsthand look at how your generosity fuels learning, strengthens community, and transforms students’ lives every single day

Our time at SJP II showcased vibrant classrooms, engaged students, and dedicated educators—all made possible through donor support. As guests moved through the school, they saw remarkable examples of hands-on learning in action. Students proudly demonstrated the robots they programmed, explaining how they use math, logic, and teamwork to bring their creations to life. The hallways were filled with colorful artwork that reflected the imagination, joy, and confidence nurtured at SJP II. The Kindergartners proudly showed us how they’re learning addition and strengthening their early math skills.

Every classroom delivered the same message: your generosity fuels opportunity, opening doors to academic success, creativity, and personal growth.

One of the most powerful moments of the tour came when 8th grader Ethan Smith spoke. Ethan has been a student at SJP II since age four, and his words captured the heart of our mission:

“SJP II is a second home. The teachers here today have shaped who I am...Math is my favorite subject, and I’ve used it to code robots. I really enjoy learning and growing...Sharing my work at the 5th grade science fair was one of my favorite memories. The community is always so kind and welcoming. Thank you for your time today and your generosity. I am truly thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given because of the generous support of CSF.”

Ethan’s story is one of hundreds made possible each year through CSF scholarships—and his voice reminded us exactly why this work matters.

We also heard from parent speaker Mary Barros, who has two children enrolled at SJP II. Her heartfelt words highlighted the deep, life-changing impact that your support has on families:

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to SJP II. I am truly grateful for this community because they are so welcoming to my children. The staff is incredible—kind, patient, and supportive. My children are encouraged to believe in themselves and become the best version of who they are. As a mother, it means everything to know they are supported every day. The assistance my family has received has made a tremendous difference in our lives.”

Her testimony is a reminder that CSF’s impact extends beyond students—it strengthens entire families.

This year, 113 students at the Columbia Campus are receiving CSF scholarships, contributing to the 417 total scholarship recipients across all SJP II campuses. Over the last decade, CSF has invested more than $12 million into the SJP II community. This long-standing partnership has helped ensure that students like Ethan—and families like the Barros family—have access to a high-quality Catholic education that inspires them to learn, lead, and thrive.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended the Bus Tour and to all who continue to support our mission. Your generosity creates hope, opportunity, and lasting change for students across Archdiocese of Boston.

Because of you, students at SJP II are learning, growing, and thriving.