Today, administrators from Archbishop Ryan High School, located in Northeast Philadelphia, were joined by officials from the Office of Catholic Education and Holy Family University to sign an agreement that enters both schools into a collaborative educational partnership. The agreement consists of three components, including admissions and scholarship, a university and dual credit agreement, and continuing education. The partnership reinforces the commitment of both schools to offer advanced educational opportunities for the personal and intellectual growth of their students and faculty.

"We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Holy Family University," said Doctor Carol Cary, Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "This arrangement, which further supports and enhances the mission, core values and beliefs shared by both academic institutions, will allow our students and faculty to further their education at a highly competitive local university. Archbishop Ryan students will immediately benefit from this partnership through the in-classroom experiences held at the high school with Holy Family University students and teachers. We look forward to working with Holy Family University and enhancing the educational future for our students."

Students from Archbishop Ryan High School who graduate with a 2.5 GPA or higher are eligible for admission to Holy Family University with application fees waived. Archbishop Ryan Students are also able to take dual-credit classes at Holy Family University and earn university credits that satisfy their high school graduation requirements. Teachers, administrators, staff and employees of Archbishop Ryan High School are also able to enroll in Holy Family University undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as degree programs, with waived admission fees and the opportunities for grants.

"Holy Family University takes its commitment to support area Catholic high schools very seriously," stated University President Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD. "We've always had a very good relationship with Archbishop Ryan High School, and this partnership will serve to further expand educational opportunities to their students, faulty, and staff."

Mr. Arthur Goon, MS, Chief Enrollment Officer at Holy Family University said, "We are fortunate to have Archbishop Ryan High School as a partner in this endeavor. We hope this agreement will serve as a model for developing similar partnerships with other area Catholic high schools."

Archbishop Ryan High School was founded in 1966 and was made coeducational in 1988. It is committed to empowering students to become contributing members of our Church and society. In partnership with family and community, the faculty strives to teach as Jesus did by providing spiritual, social, and service opportunities for growth. Through a comprehensive academic curriculum, the faculty challenges students to become well-rounded, life-long learners.

Holy Family University is a premier Catholic university of the liberal arts and professions with a main campus in Northeast Philadelphia and locations in Bensalem and Newtown, Pennsylvania. It has been recognized for providing outstanding undergraduate and graduate academic programs and professional career development in a faith-inspired, values-centered community. Founded in 1954 by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Holy Family University offers purpose-driven, engaged students the knowledge, values, and skills to help them find their place and purpose in today's workplace and world.

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Editor's Note: For information about Archbishop Ryan High School please visit www.archbishopryan.com/ and for information about Holy Family University please visit www.holyfamily.edu/.

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