Welcome St. Teresa of Avila

The 12th CISE-Supported Grade School

We are thrilled to welcome St. Teresa of Avila School to the CISE family of schools! Located in West Price Hill, St. Teresa is a vibrant Catholic grade school serving about 225 students in grades Pre-K through 8th. With a rich history dating back to 1918, the school is known for its strong academics, faith-based values, and deep community roots.



As the 12th CISE-supported school, St. Teresa of Avila will benefit from expanded access to scholarships, student support services, and partnership resources, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Welcome to the CISE family, St. Teresa of Avila!

 

WELCOME

 

Dear Friends,


We’re keeping this issue of the CISE Quarterly newsletter brief - because big things are on the way.


Inside, you’ll read about the newest CISE-supported school, recent gifts from generous community partners, and a look ahead at a fall fundraising event.


Very soon, you’ll receive our 2025 Annual Report – watch your mailbox. It’s a celebration of all we’ve accomplished together, and it sets the stage for an exciting announcement that will shape the future of CISE. We can't wait to share what's next!


Thank you for walking alongside us. Your support makes everything we do possible.



With gratitude,


Phil McHugh

President & Executive Director

 
 

EVENTS

 

Join Us for Wine Walk Wednesday

Mark your calendar for this fun fall event at Hyde Park Square. Sip, shop and support CISE - 15% of purchases from participating stores will benefit CISE, helping provide scholarships and essential support for students in Cincinnati’s underserved communities..


Please, mark your calendar and invite your friends to join us on Wednesday, October 8th! A big thank you to Louise Stakelin and Tricia Headley for organizing this fabulous fundraiser.


 
 

CISE NEWS

 

Arby's Foundation Supports CISE

We’re honored to receive a generous $39,900 grant from the Arby’s Foundation to support the BELL Program at Corryville Catholic School. This after-school program provides academic support, enrichment activities, and nutritious snacks for students - helping ensure they have a safe, engaging place to learn and grow after the school day ends.



Thank you to the Arby’s Foundation for investing in our students and standing alongside the families who make our community strong. Your support is helping create brighter futures.


Catholic BAC Kicks Off New School Year

On July 29, the Catholic Business Advisory Council (BAC) launched its 2025–2026 season with a dynamic gathering at the Cincinnati ToolBANK, led by Dr. Mari Thomas. Sixty educational and community leaders came together to explore innovative partnerships that support student success.


The event featured presentations from Kat Pepmeyer of Cincinnati ToolBANK, Andy Zahn of the Dan Beard Council, and Lori Byrne from Transfr VR - spotlighting programs that connect students to hands-on learning, skilled trades, and immersive career exploration.


Attendees then joined breakout sessions in key industries to help plan the upcoming 8th Grade Career Expo. Others explored a new session on AI readiness with aiOwl, focused on Intel-backed skills for the future. The afternoon wrapped with a networking social to build connections and momentum for the year ahead.

 
 
 
 

Summer STEAM Camps Spark Curiosity

This summer, Dr. Mari Thomas led two STEAM Camps for 32 students from Corryville Catholic, St. Boniface, St. Francis Seraph, and Holy Family. The camps were six days of engaging, industry-specific programming.


With support from partners like Allied Construction Industries, UC Health, the Cincinnati Fire Department, INTERalliance, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, students explored careers in construction, healthcare, and drone technology.


To align with the CISE mission, Mari integrated the Happy, Confident ME journal for the daily reflections (we added a R to our STEAM Camp – STREAM to incorporate faith and reflection!)

 

Work for the State of Ohio?

CISE is once again part of the Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC), an annual initiative that encourages State of Ohio employees to donate to one or more of 1,100 local, regional, and international charitable organizations. CCC consolidates many charitable campaigns into one, asking State of Ohio employees to voluntarily donate through payroll deductions or a one-time gift.


If you are or know a State of Ohio employee, please share this information with them. CISE’s Charity Code is 29029, and donations can be pledged through MyOhio.gov until October 17, 2025.



A Hero's Journey Career Expo

CISE will host a special Career Expo for 8th graders at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on November 24th. Students will rotate through career exploration stations and take a self-guided tour of the interactive ESCAPE! Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad exhibit.


With over 50 partners from industries, high schools, colleges, and vocational programs, this unique experience blends history, inspiration, and future pathways - empowering students to begin their own heroic journey.

 

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

 
 
 

30 Years of Donations

Charles H. Dater Foundation & Cincinnati International Wine Festival 

CISE is grateful to two organizations that have been supporting us for 30 Years: The Charles H. Dater Foundation and the Cincinnati International Wine Festival.


A $60,000 grant from the Charles H. Dater Foundation was recently received for our CISE/Friars Club After-school Study & Sports Program. This gift allows CISE-supported students to enjoy a safe space to eat healthy snacks, complete homework, and participate in team sports.


A $13,200 gift from the Cincinnati International Wine Festival (CIWF) was received to provide a high-quality Catholic education and vital support services to students in urban neighborhoods.


We are honored and humbled to receive this generous support from these long-standing and loyal donors. 

 
 

MAXIMIZING YOUR IMPACT

 
 

Invest in Their Future - CISE-SGO

Did you know a donation to CISE-SGO not only opens doors through education and vital services but also gives Ohio donors a dollar-for-dollar tax credit (up to $750/individual or $1,500/married couple)? That means every dollar you give is one less you pay in taxes. 


CISE-SGO transforms the lives of thousands of Cincinnati children facing poverty by providing a strong, faith-based education. With our tax designation, your generosity offers both a rewarding return for you and a brighter future for them. 


Make an impact today and experience the return of paying it forward. 

 
 

Your next CISE Quarterly Newsletter will arrive

November 4, 2025


Visit CISEKids.org to learn more about the our mission in action.

 
 
 
 

513-263-3471

 
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www.cisekids.org