Our Work

The Catholic Schools Foundation is proud to celebrate Kathy Pham of Lawrence, an extraordinary Austin Prep senior and CSF scholar who has been selected as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Recipient. This prestigious honor awards Kathy a full four-year scholarship to Yale University, where she will begin her studies in the fall of 2026.

“I am incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity to attend Yale,” said Kathy. “This scholarship changes everything for my family and me. I am deeply thankful to the Catholic Schools Foundation and Austin Prep for believing in me and supporting my journey. I can’t wait to take this next step and use my education to give back to my community.”

Kathy joins an elite group of scholars nationwide. This year, 2,550 high-achieving high school seniors were matched with full scholarships through QuestBridge, a program designed to connect exceptional students from low-income backgrounds with the nation’s top colleges.

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that provides transformative educational and career opportunities to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. In its 30+ year history, QuestBridge has helped thousands of students access top-tier colleges through a holistic, community-driven model.

The 2025 Match Scholarship Recipients stand out academically and personally:

• 3.9 average unweighted GPA
• Middle 50% SAT 1290–1460 / ACT 27–33 (if reported)
• 100% took advanced coursework, such as AP or IB, when available
• 23% pursued deeper learning at institutions beyond their high school
• 80% will be first-generation college graduates in the U.S.

Kathy’s selection places her among the most accomplished students in the nation, recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service.

Since arriving at Austin Prep as a freshman, Kathy has excelled as a scholar, athlete, leader, and community member. Pursuing the most rigorous academic path available, she has completed multiple AP courses each year and achieved an exceptional 4.47 weighted cumulative GPA. With a passion for science and service, she plans to pursue a pre-med track at Yale.

Kathy is a three-season varsity athlete, competing in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track and field. As a senior, she served as team captain for cross country, demonstrating leadership, determination, and a deep commitment to her teammates. She was also recognized with the program’s Coaches Award as a junior.

Beyond academics and athletics, Kathy contributes to Austin Prep’s school newspaper and actively volunteers within her local community. As a first-generation American, she has embraced every opportunity with gratitude, humility, and resilience.

“Kathy embodies the very best of Austin Prep, intellectually curious, deeply committed to service, and driven by purpose,” said James Hickey, Head of School of Austin Prep. “Her QuestBridge and Yale acceptance is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of Kathy and grateful to the Catholic Schools Foundation for helping make opportunities like this possible for our students.”

She serves as an inspiring example of the power of Catholic education to shape bright, compassionate leaders.

The Catholic Schools Foundation congratulates Kathy on her remarkable achievement. Her journey reflects the strength of our partner schools and the transformative impact of scholarships that open doors to opportunity.

Congratulations, Kathy—your future at Yale is just beginning, and we could not be prouder.

Read more about Kayty here.