Notre Dame Prep Receives $1 Million Gift for Student Scholarships

Second-largest gift in school history will permanently endow scholarships for incoming Notre Dame Prep students

Key Highlights

• Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University received a $1 million gift from the SG Schimenti Foundation Inc., the second-largest gift in the school’s history
• The gift will establish a permanently endowed scholarship fund for incoming students who demonstrate financial need and strong academic achievement
• Each scholarship will cover 50% of tuition and remain with the recipient throughout their time at Notre Dame Prep, provided they maintain good academic standing
• Notre Dame Prep’s enrollment has increased 12% since its acquisition by Sacred Heart University, with more than 560 students currently enrolled

Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University recently received a $1 million gift from the SG Schimenti Foundation Inc. to permanently endow scholarships for incoming students.

The SG Schimenti Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization that supports education by providing scholarships to students in need of financial assistance. The gift will establish the SG Schimenti Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“The foundation is truly excited to support Notre Dame Prep, and feels that its affiliation with Sacred Heart University will excel its educational program and make it a leading high school in Connecticut,” said Gian Angiolillo, vice president and director of the SG Schimenti Foundation Inc.

This is the second largest gift in Notre Dame Prep’s history. Chris Cipriano, Notre Dame Prep’s head of school, said the gift reflects growing recognition of the school’s momentum. “People recognize the trajectory of this high school and they are putting their support behind our mission,” Cipriano said.

He’s grateful for the SG Schimenti Foundation’s backing. “The foundation is making an investment in our community and recognizing our good work,” Cipriano added.

Notre Dame Prep junior Janiyah Louis, 16, of Stratford and her parents were at the recent gift ceremony. Janiyah’s father, Jonel Louis, used to work for SG Schimenti and informed the foundation about his daughter’s school and her amazing experiences. It’s because of this relationship that led to the foundation donating to Notre Dame Prep.

Janiyah Louis said her time at Notre Dame has been great; filled with hard work and opportunities. She said the students and teachers are all very welcoming, and she would recommend the school to others.

Her mother, Angie Louis, also had positive things to say about her daughter’s experiences. “A scholarship means the world, it means everything,” she said. “Education is the best thing you can give a child, and we’ve been very happy to be a part of Notre Dame.”

The intent of the fund is to award multiple scholarships over time. Each year, the fund will award a scholarship covering 50% of tuition to an incoming first-year student who demonstrates financial need, qualifies for the Notre Dame Distinguished Scholar program, and maintained a 3.5 grade point average or higher in middle school. The scholarship will follow the recipient throughout their time at Notre Dame Prep, provided the student remains in good academic standing.

The gift arrives as Notre Dame Prep bucks statewide enrollment trends among high schools, with enrollment up 12% over the last two years—since SHU’s acquisition. There are currently over 560 students at the school. Notre Dame Prep leaders point to the school's affiliation with Sacred Heart as a key driver of that growth, giving students access to mentorship from University faculty and students, as well as trips to SHU’s campus in Dingle, Ireland. The affiliation extends far beyond shared facilities; it is creating an academic partnership through which Notre Dame Prep students work with SHU faculty and students, explore college-level coursework, and benefit from the University’s resources and opportunities.

“By creating a permanently endowed scholarship, the SG Schimenti Foundation is investing not only in students today, but also in generations to come,” said SHU President John J. Petillo. “We are deeply grateful for its confidence in Notre Dame Prep.”