Scholarships

In Honor & In Memorial Scholarships

The Dominican Sisters Vision of Hope is blessed to have numerous scholarships which benefit the students and families in our Vision of Hope schools. These scholarships are awarded to students, and in some cases their families, based on financial need and/or merit and seek to:

  • Honor an individual whose life exemplified the values we seek to instill in our students and their families.
  • Promote the charism of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose within our schools.
  • Deepen Vision of Hope’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We are deeply grateful for these scholarships, their benefactors, and the legacy they will leave behind.

Our Scholarships

Robert M Holstein, Jr. Memorial Scholarship ( all eight schools)

This scholarship was established in memory of Robert M. Holstein, Jr. Bob was deeply committed to social justice, his faith, and building community. He along with his wife Loretta, were founding board members and generous benefactors to Vision of Hope. Loretta continues to be a member of Vision of Hope’s Advisory Board and is a faithful and generous friend to Vision of Hope. Annually a $1,700 scholarship is awarded to three eighth graders at each school who exemplify Bob’s legacy of “being a person for others.”

Veritas Scholarship (all eight schools)

This scholarship was established in memory of Sister Mary Dominic Englehard, O.P. and Sister Mary Thomas Lillis, O.P. who each served as Congregational Prioresses of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. A $2,500 scholarship is annually awarded to two seventh grade students from two of our Vision of Hope schools. These students demonstrate the qualities of leadership, respect and care for others, and love of learning exemplified by these Sisters. Nomination forms are submitted to the Veritas Committee, which is comprised of four Dominican Sisters who select the awardees.

Sister Renilde Cade, O.P., Memorial Scholarship (all eight schools)

This scholarship was established in memory of Sister Renilde Cade, O.P. who served as Congregational Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. A $1,500 scholarship is awarded to six seventh graders from our Vision of Hope schools. These students exemplify Sister Renilde’s leadership, respect and care for others, and love of learning. The students are chosen from remaining nominees of Veritas Scholarship by the Veritas Committee.

Sister John Martin Fixa, O.P., Memorial Scholarship (all eight schools)

This scholarship was originally established by Vision of Hope’s Board of Directors to honor Sister John Martin at the time of her retirement in 2015 from Vision of Hope. Sister Johnnie, as she affectionately known, was the heart, soul and driving force behind Vision of Hope for over twenty years. In October of 2018, our dear Sister John Martin passed away, but through this scholarship her spirit and legacy lives on in our schools. Each year, the board awards $1,875 to one sixth grader at each Vision of Hope school who exemplifies Sister John Martin’s extraordinary kindness, joy, and dedication to quality Catholic education.

Kathleen E. Fixa Memorial Scholarship (restricted to St. James, St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception, and St. Elizabeth)

This scholarship was established in memory of Kathleen E. Fixa, Sister John Martin Fixa’s mother, as a tribute to “Mom” Fixa’s generosity and stalwart commitment to Catholic education. Each year two families from St. James School, St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception School, and St. Elizabeth Elementary School, who demonstrate these values, are chosen to receive a $3,000 award for tuition assistance.

Holy Family Scholarship (restricted to St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception School)

Fr. Stephen Howell and his family established this scholarship for student(s) at St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception School who demonstrate character and perseverance. The amount and number of scholarships is determined each year by Fr. Howell and the administration of St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception School.

Julia Sierra Memorial Scholarship (restricted to St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception School

This scholarship was established in memory of Julia Sierra by her sons, Jorge and Jesus, graduates of St. Anthony School. It is awarded to St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception students of single, immigrant parents who, like Julia Sierra, value Catholic education and sacrifice to make a better life for their children. The amount and number of scholarships is determined each year by the Sierra family and the administration of St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception School.

McKenna Family Scholarship (restricted to St. James)

This scholarship was established by the McKenna family to provide financial assistance to students attending St. James Elementary School in San Francisco. As alums of St. James, the Mckenna’s want to support students who exhibit a strong and joyful development in the Catholic faith, persevere in being the best student possible and show care and concern for their schoolmates. The amount and number of scholarships is determined each year by the McKenna family and the administration of St. James School.

Christian Parenting Scholarship (restricted to St. Ignatius and Santa Teresita)

This scholarship was established in memory of Evelyn and George Smith, the parents of Sister Patricia Ann Smith. O.P. Each year a $1,000 award is given to one family at Santa Teresita School and one family at St. Ignatius of Loyola School who like Evelyn and George Smith, strive to raise their children with Catholic values and who work hard to live out their Catholic faith in their home and in their community. These awards are restricted for tuition assistance.

Levy-Smith Family Scholarship (restricted Santa Teresita and St. Michael)

This scholarship was established in memory of Laurie Smith’s mother and supports new students in grades K-2 at Santa Teresita School and St. Michael Elementary School. This scholarship is intended to support families who otherwise might not be able to afford a Catholic school but desires a Catholic education for their child. Each recipient receives up to $3,000 annually for two years.

Carlson Family Scholarship (restricted to five Los Angeles schools)

This scholarship was established by the Carlson family and serves African American families who desire a Catholic education for their children but need financial assistance to enroll. This scholarship is restricted to our five schools in Los Angeles. Each recipient receives a minimum of $1,000.

Subscribe to our email list

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Dominican Sisters Vision of Hope   |   1555 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601   |   Phone: 510-533-5768

Dominican Sisters Vision of Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our EIN number is 94-3356021, and our tax-exempt status is granted under a group exemption with the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops.