The Humann Scholars program exists to embrace and nurture promising students for whom a Catholic, college-prep high school education would otherwise be unlikely. Scholars will receive preparation and opportunity for a Catholic, college-prep high school education at Notre Dame de Sion. Humann Scholars will participate in the program during their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years to build confidence, independence and leadership skills through peer mentoring, social experiences, academic tutoring, life skills lessons and one-on-one support.
Notre Dame de Sion High School has launched a new program providing support and resources to ensure the success of full-scholarship students from diverse, underserved backgrounds. Initially funded by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund and supported by a range of generous Sion donors, the Humann Scholars Program welcomed our initial Scholars from the Bright Futures Catholic Schools in June 2021.
Humann Scholars Program Overview
Humann Scholars participate in the program during their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years to build confidence, independence and leadership skills through peer mentoring, social experiences, academic tutoring, life skills lessons and one-on-one support. Scholars attend an annual four-week Summer Academy as well as biweekly Saturday Academies throughout the school year. If a student successfully participates in these programs, applies and is accepted to Sion High School during their 8th grade year, they are welcomed to Sion High School through a fully-funded scholarship. Humann Scholars enrolled at the High School actively participate in the Humann Scholars Leadership Council whose members help to plan and lead activities and to mentor the younger Scholars. Humann Scholars from diverse cultures and backgrounds learn from each other, about each other and grow into their true selves ready for college and beyond.
“I was super excited for the summer program, not only to help the middle school girls learn about Sion and have an amazing fun time, but also because the leadership position I’m in is helping me to become more confident about myself and leading others.” -- Arleth Guevara, Humann Scholar Leadership Council ‘24
The program is named for Louise Humann, an educator who served as mentor to the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, Fr. Theodore Ratisbonne. She inspired him to read, love and center his life on the Word of God. In her schools, Louise valued diverse perspectives and believed that for every ten students, one should attend for free. She will be forever remembered and revered in Sion as a woman of deep faith and rare intelligence and an excellent educator well ahead of her time.
