The Mission of FACE is to

  • Provide tuition assistance that enables diverse low-income children to attend Catholic schools, and
  • Help children and families break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage by supporting access to quality Catholic education in the Diocese of Oakland.

FACE Facts

FACE provides tuition grants to students in-need who attend Catholic schools in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

  • Founded in 1978.
  • Grants are based solely on financial need.
  • Recipients are a diverse group of students from varied faiths and backgrounds.
  • Recognized by IRS as a nonprofit organization.
  • Operates under the auspices of the Diocese of Oakland.

FACE affords the opportunity for quality Catholic education dedicated to the growth of the whole child,
Offers a safe, nurturing learning environment,
And helps break the cycle of poverty.


In the 2005-2006 school year, $1.75 million has been funded:

Tuition grants went to 1024 students

  • 714 elementary school students
    $1,450 per student
  • 310 high school students
    $2,600 per student

Students are attending 48 schools in the Diocese

  • 39 elementary schools
  • 9 high schools


The average family income for recipient families is $32,300.
Average elementary school tuition is $4,586.
Average high school tuition is $9,565.


There are over 800 qualified students who remain on the waiting list for FACE grants.
Assistance to these students would require an additional $2 million.

About 93% of FACE high school seniors graduate and move on to two- and four-year colleges and universities. They are moving on to be contributing members of their community, their world.