Opening Doors to a Better Education
The Dan Devereaux Memorial Trust funds private middle school and college-prep high school tuition for at-risk children in the metro St. Louis area. These schools welcome children of any faith who show the potential to succeed in high school and college, but who might not reach that potential because of socio-economic circumstances.
Concentrated poverty and under-resourced schools put many capable kids at risk of falling through the cracks — our trust exists to change that trajectory one student at a time.
Building Toward Real Futures
Our support is designed to help students succeed — not just enroll. By funding a strong education from middle school through college prep, we help kids stay on track for high school graduation, prepare confidently for college, and pursue employment that leads to a career.
What success looks like:
- Strong academic performance in a supportive school environment
- Successful transition to post-secondary education or training
- Employment opportunities beyond minimum-wage work
- A path out of the cycle of concentrated poverty
Scholarships
Full or partial tuition assistance to private middle and college-prep high schools in the Saint Louis Metropolitan area. These private schools are for boys and girls of any faith who have the potential for college but may fail to realize it because of social or economic circumstances. Tuition at these schools can range from $7,000 to $20,000 or more per year. Students receive assistance from the time they receive a scholarship until graduation from high school.
Most students are referred to us through the Daughters of Charity, who operate family centers in East Saint Louis public housing. Prospective students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) apply to schools and must meet the entrance qualifications and agree to the terms of the school and the scholarship contract. Religious affiliation is not a consideration.
Tutoring
- Tutoring is available to participating students who need extra assistance.
- Our volunteers are qualified to teach a variety of subjects and are available to tutor Danny Boy Scholars.
Common Questions from Families and Donors
Do students need to practice a specific faith to qualify?
No. These schools and our support are open to children of any faith. What matters is a child's potential to succeed in high school and college, not their religious background.How are students selected for support?
We look for at-risk children in the metro St. Louis area who show the potential to thrive in a private middle school or college-prep high school environment but face socio-economic barriers to attending. Selection considers need and demonstrated potential.What does the Trust actually pay for?
We help cover the cost of tuition at private middle schools and college-prep high schools, which runs more than $20,000 annually per student — a cost most at-risk families could not otherwise afford.
How can I support a student or learn more about giving?
Visit our Donate & Get Involved page to see the ways you can contribute to a child's education.