Catholic Education Foundation
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New Student Enrollment InitiativeYour student can be eligible for an annual tuition award of up to $5,000!A student from a household with a total income at or below the following levels is eligible to apply for a Shea Tuition Award (STA) from the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF).
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CEF TAP AWARd - Cycle 3Dear current and prospective families,
I am happy to share updated information (as of 2/18/26) regarding the CEF TAP Award from the Catholic Education Foundation. I encourage every family to take time to review the Income Eligibility Guidelines and prayerfully consider your next steps. Families who fall within the guidelines are strongly encouraged to apply - we invite all families to apply! If you need any assistance during the process, please do not hesitate to reach out—I am here to support you.
Our On-Campus Processing Host Site for this application cycle will be held at St. Joseph High School (Lakewood) on:- March 9, 2026
- March 10, 2026
CEF is introducing a new online appointment system to simplify scheduling and provide helpful email and text reminders for families.
To schedule your appointment:- Visit the Catholic Education Foundation of Los Angeles website.
- On the home page, select “Schedule Your CEF Appointment” - if you cannot book an appointment please consider a "Walk In" Option on campus. There may be spaces available with reasonable wait times.
- Click Next on the welcome screen.
- Choose Elementary School as the location type.
- Select an available appointment time and click Next.
- Enter your contact information (including cell phone and email) and select Save.
- Print or save your confirmation page for your records and note the host site location.
Please remember that 2024 tax returns will be required at your appointment. Families unable to attend in person may still submit an application through the regular process; however, we highly encourage participation in the on-site process for the most efficient support.
Mail in option available - bring your forms to the school office for processing
Thank you for your continued partnership and for taking time to explore this important opportunity for your family.
With gratitude,
Mr. Gabriel Reyes
Principal
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
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Mail in Processing
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on Site Processing
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Cycle 3 TAP Application
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ELIGIBILITY Guidelines
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Where and how do I apply?
You pick up your TAP application pack at a participating Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
You complete your form and return it to the Catholic school you child will attend.
You submit the 2024 tax returns and w-2 form(s)
When can I apply for TAP Funding? (Can I apply at any time? Do you have emergency tuition assistance?)
You must apply during one of the three tuition cycles
CEF does not accept applications outside of the three tuition cycles
What are the three tuition cycles?
Cycle 1 is for 8th grade students applying for high school tuition assistance (Early Fall)
Cycle 2 is for students currently attending high school (Winter)
Cycle 3 is for elementary students (Early Spring)
What are other forms of proof of income may I use to submit along with my child's tuition award application?
Formal letter of disbursement for Unemployment, Disability and/or Social Security
Formal letter of disbursement for AFDC, Food Stamps and/or WIC
Court order of alimony and/or child support
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How many applications may I submit?
If you have more than one child attending a Catholic school, you may submit and application for each child for grades pre-K through 12th
How do I know if my child received a tuition award?
CEF will notify your school of the status of your application
CEF will mail out awarded and waitlisted letters to the parents/guardians
Can I receive an application directly from CEF?
No. Applications for tuition awards are only available through participating Catholic schools. Please visit your school and pick up a tuition award application packet.
Can I mail my applications directly to CEF?
No. All applications and proof of income are reviewed and a formal written recommendation made by the principal or pastor before submitting to CEF.
How does CEF receive my applications?
After all the applications are reviewed by the principal or pastor and a formal recommendation is attached to each application, the school then mails all the applications at one time to the CEF office.
The following proof of income is accepted by CEF:
2024 Federal Tax Return (1040)
If you received child support and/or alimony, you must provide legal proof of distribution
If you are unemployed or on disability, you must provide a formal letter stating your benefit distribution for 2022.
If you work for cash, you must provide proof with a formal letter from your employer and/or a sworn Statement signed and sealed by a Public Notary verifying your income.
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