Transforming Lives and Building Dreams
In 2017, Belen Jesuit embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of a capital campaign. The goal was not only to enhance the physical campus but also to ensure that a Belen education remained accessible to deserving students from all walks of life. As of July 31, 2023, we are proud to announce that this vision has not only become a reality but has exceeded our wildest expectations.
At the outset of 2017, the school had just two endowed scholarships. These initial scholarships were a testament to the dedication of our early supporters, who believed in our mission to provide an outstanding Catholic, Jesuit education to young minds hungry for knowledge, wisdom, and values. These two scholarships represented not just financial assistance but the embodiment of our commitment to making a Belen education attainable to those with a burning desire for excellence.
Fast forward to July 31, 2023, and we stand at a remarkable juncture in our journey. Belen now boasts a total of eighteen endowed scholarships. These scholarships, the result of unwavering support from our community, have opened doors to countless young scholars who might otherwise have missed the opportunity to flourish in our halls.
But the story doesn’t end here. We are excited to share that another six endowed scholarships are currently in the funding stage. These scholarships represent the hopes and dreams of both our students and their benefactors. They are a testament to the belief that education is a powerful tool for change, one that can uplift individuals and communities alike.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it unfolded amidst a massive capital expansion. Major additions and renovations to our campus are underway, aimed at transforming Belen Jesuit into the premier educational institution in the country. This ambitious project requires significant resources, both financial and human. Yet, despite these demands, we have managed to raise almost $4 million in new endowment funds.
These funds are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they are a lifeline for our students. They help secure nearly a 50% increase in financial assistance provided annually. They embody the spirit of Belen, where the pursuit of knowledge and the nurturing of character are paramount, regardless of one’s financial circumstances.
However, it’s essential to underscore that while our endowment has grown significantly, our primary annual fundraising tool remains the Fund for Belen. This fund plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the actual cost of running the school and the income generated from tuition. To put it in perspective, only about 10% of our annual financial assistance comes from the endowment. The lion’s share, the vast majority, is made possible through the generous contributions to the Fund for Belen.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we also look to the future. Belen, though relatively young in Miami, has ambitious plans to continue growing the endowment in the coming years. Our long-term goal is nothing short of covering all the financial assistance needs of our students. This vision, while audacious, is not out of reach, given the unwavering support of our community.
While our focus is on expanding our endowment, it’s important to remember that our current emphasis is on our capital projects. These projects are aimed at making Belen the premier school in the country. They are a testament to our commitment to providing our students with the best possible environment for their academic, spiritual, and personal growth.
In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals and families who have made this journey possible. Together, we are transforming lives, building dreams, and shaping a brighter future for our students and our community. We invite you to continue your support as we move forward, driven by the belief that education is the key to a better tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of the Belen Jesuit family.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.