PHOTO CREDIT: Cristo Rey NY High School
Education
We support students who have talent and determination but whose opportunity to excel is limited because of their economic circumstances.
One way we provide this support is through scholarships, which to date have been to attend Catholic schools. In addition to scholarships, we have made grants to organizations that help students to access and graduate from college, and other programs that create opportunities. We also have emergency cash grant programs at colleges to help students stay in school in a time of need. Read more about our emergency cash grant programs.
“Access to a quality education is not automatic for people in our society. Somebody has to help. What I want to do is help young people who have the capacity, have the commitment, and are willing to work hard, but the hurdle is they are consigned to a poor performing school and cannot escape without financial resources their families cannot afford.” - LOUIS V. GERSTNER, JR.
Featured Grantee
Diocese of Bridgeport: Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School
The Diocese of Bridgeport plays a vital role in providing quality education in downtown Bridgeport, a community with significant need. Under the leadership of Bishop Frank Caggiano, Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School is undergoing a transformation into both an academic center of excellence and a true jewel in the heart of the city—expanding opportunities for local students and strengthening the surrounding community.
Gerstner Philanthropies has been proud to support this vision with $6 million in grants, helping to fund Kolbe Cathedral Prep’s comprehensive renovation project. This includes the transformation of the Louis V. Gerstner III Student and Family Center, a newly renovated space designed to serve as a hub for academic support, extracurricular activities, parent and community engagement. The center fosters a sense of belonging and achievement, helping students excel both inside and outside the classroom.
Our work aligns with Bishop Caggiano’s commitment to elevating Kolbe Cathedral Prep into a premier institution that not only delivers rigorous academics but also nurtures character, leadership, and faith.
To learn more about Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School, please visit (https://www.kolbecaths.org).
Our Grantees
Major Education Grants
Grants listed below may be from the Gerstner Family Foundation or another Gerstner family philanthropic vehicle. Amounts may reflect cumulative annual grants or multi-year grants. To see annual amounts, please see listings of grants paid each year.
-
Chaminade High School
Mineola, NY | Visit Website
To support the Access-for-All Program.
$ 5,000,000
To support the science, technology, and research center.
$1,000,000
To establish and endow the Marjorie R. and Louis V. Gerstner, Sr. Scholarship Program
$700,000
-
Diocese of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT | Visit Website
To support the Kolbe Cathedral High School renovation project.
$5,000,000
To support the Kolbe Cathedral High School renovation project.
$1,000,000
-
Diocese of Palm Beach Schools
Palm Beach, FL | Visit Website
To fund the Gerstner High School Scholars program.
$6,360,000
To establish the Gerstner Junior Scholarships at St. Luke’s Elementary School.
$250,000
-
Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School
Brooklyn, NY | Visit Website
To support the Gerstner Summer Scholars Program.
$ 1,090,000
-
The Partnership for Inner-City Education
New York, NY | Visit Website
To provide scholarships and support programs at New York Partnership Schools.
$ 5,160,000
-
Cristo Rey New York High School
New York, NY | Visit Website
To support the Gerstner Summer Scholars Program
$ 1,290,000
-
Seton Education Partners
New York, NY | Visit Website
To support the capital needs for Brilla Charter School expansion.
$ 2,000,000
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH | Visit Website
To renew the Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Scholars Program
$6,000,000
To establish the Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Scholars Program.
$ 4,800,000
To establish the Louis V. Gerstner Jr. 1963 Scholarship Fund.
$562,511
-
St. Philip Neri Catholic Education and Family Center
Bronx, NY | Visit Website
To support the renovation of the St. Philip Neri Catholic Education and Family Center
$1,000,000
To support the renovation of classrooms at St. Philip Neri Catholic Education and Family Center
$800,000
Education News
