Tuition assistance funds from the Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope campaign for the 2008-2009 academic year will total $147,955. This is up from the $120,085 available for the current school year, according to Barb Burris, associate director for school planning in the diocesan Office for Catechesis.

"Each of the 43 elementary schools may apply for $2,785 of tuition assistance for Catholic families attending their school," Burris said.  "The six secondary schools are eligible for $4,700 each.  This is an increase of $570 for the elementary and $560 for the secondary schools from the previous year."  

Burris said the increase can be attributed to a higher rate of return of the Foundation investments, so there is an additional $27,870 available.  

Allotted funds are based on the 2007-2008 enrollment numbers and the number of schools for 2008-2009 school year. The various allotments are calculated on the percentage of students attending elementary or secondary schools compared to total student enrollment across the diocese.  

Burris said 80.94 percent of the funds will be distributed to elementary schools and the remainder to the high schools. For the current school year, 79.3 percent of funds were distributed to elementary schools and 20.7 percent to high schools.

Applications from schools for tuition assistance are due to the Office for Catechesis by Aug. 29, 2008. For more information, contact Burris at (217) 698-8500 or e-mail .