School · Chicago, IL · Founded 1890
Josephinum Academy
Every incoming freshman receives a full-tuition scholarship. Now we're building the endowment to make that promise permanent — for every generation of young women to come.
Support Josephinum Academy
Why Josephinum?
A shining example of Catholic education’s commitment to accessibility and excellence.
Josephinum empowers young women from diverse and under-resourced backgrounds — students who thrive in an environment that nurtures both academic and spiritual growth. CI became aware that Chicago’s oldest Catholic young women high school was looking for a partner to help secure the real estate. Led by Richard McMenamin, an inspired advocate, The Jo joined CI. The property was acquired in June 2025, and we are now launching a capital campaign to establish an endowment, fund scholarships, expand programs, and restore the campus.
About The Jo
Chicago’s hidden gem
- Chicago’s oldest all-girls Catholic high school — forming young women of courage, conviction, and compassion on the Near Northwest Side since 1890
- Part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools — inheriting nearly 200 years of educational tradition founded by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat
- A full-tuition THRIVE Scholarship for every freshman — removing financial barriers and opening the doors of a Sacred Heart education to every family
- A beautifully diverse community — 11 languages spoken at home, students from 35 zip codes, and a sisterhood that crosses every boundary
The Endowment Campaign
An education worth fighting for
- The THRIVE Scholarship needs a permanent foundation — annual fundraising alone can’t sustain free tuition for every student, every year
- We’re building a permanent endowment — gifts are invested, not spent. The earnings fund teacher salaries, scholarships, clubs, technology, and operations in perpetuity
- CI acquired the school property in June 2025 — launching a 3-year capital campaign to establish the endowment, fund scholarships, expand programs, and restore the campus
- Every named gift lives forever — your family’s legacy permanently woven into the life of the school, funding the program you choose for as long as The Jo stands
The Opportunity
80% are first-generation college students
For most Jo girls, this is the education that changes their family's trajectory — forever. Your gift ensures the next generation walks through these doors, too.
Make a Gift Today
Community Hub
More than a school — a launching pad
The Jo isn't just a place of learning — it's a cornerstone of Chicago's Wicker Park community. School leadership is working with The Catholic Initiative to expand opportunities for the young women who call it home.
Faculty & Teaching
Named faculty chairs that permanently endow teacher positions — salary, benefits, and professional development — at a school with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Named scholarship funds that extend the THRIVE promise beyond freshman year — 98% of Jo students receive financial aid, and your gift keeps it that way forever
Student Clubs & Programs
Funding all 19 clubs in perpetuity — from STEAM and NHS to student government, community service, and the Big Buddy mentoring program
Arts, Culture & Identity
Permanently resourcing Drama, Art Club, Creative Writing, Hispanic Student Union, Black Student Union, and Jo Community Support programs
Facilities & Campus
Endowing plant expenses, repairs, maintenance, and utilities — ensuring the building at 1501 North Oakley Boulevard remains worthy of the students inside it
Technology & Operations
Keeping hardware, software, and internet infrastructure current across every academic department — plus community events, admissions, and student life
“It's more than a building. It's what happens in a building.”
Richard McMenamin
President, Josephinum Academy
“It's my considered opinion that without this Initiative, the Basilica de Sainte Anne would come to ruin.”
Sue Sullivan
Vice Chair of the Board, Josephinum Academy
Support Ste. Anne
Help write the next chapter
Your gift restores Detroit's most historic basilica, endows its future, and ensures it serves the community for the next 200 years.
Make a Gift →The Catholic Initiative is a 501(c)(3). All gifts are tax-deductible.