Marianist Excel Program (MEP)

Launched in 1992, the Marianist Excel Program (MEP), formerly the Marianist Urban Students Program (MUSP), identifies high-potential students in urban Marianist elementary schools and offers them financial, academic and social support to succeed at Marianist high schools.

“Without financial aid from MEP, tuition costs would prevent most of these students from attending Catholic high schools,” says Marianist Brother Gene Meyerpeter. “They wouldn’t be exposed to the same values and would be lost in the shuffle of the public school system. In some cases, they’d be at risk of not graduating from high school.” 

Each year, the Marianists make it possible for six students from the following Catholic elementary schools to receive partial tuition grants and membership in the Marianist Excel Program at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School: St. Agatha-St. Aloysius, St. Francis (Cleveland), St. Jerome and St. Thomas Aquinas.

The selection of the recipients is done by the MEP Board of Advisors. The board is looking for students who fulfill all the following conditions:

1. Currently enrolled as an 8th grader in one of the MUSP feeder schools.
2. Serious about their studies.
3. Displays school leadership.
4. Active in school/community service.
5. Has good attendance and discipline.
6. Exhibits good grades.
7. Shows willingness to be taught.
8. Involved in his/her church.
9. Parents/Guardians supportive of them in their studies.
10. Desires to be an active member of a group.

*Students admitted to MEP must go through the VASJ admissions process and be accepted in good standing.

For more information about MEP, please contact Director of MEP Anthony Redding '89 at 216-481-8414 ext. 156 or [email protected].