Holy Family Institute Receives $500,000 RACP Grant to Fund New Activities Center

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (November 4, 2024) – Holy Family Institute (HFI) has received a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support the construction of a new Activities Center for Nazareth Prep, its STEM- and college and career-focused high school. This grant will fund a significant part of the school’s campus expansion, advancing its commitment to preparing students for success and strengthening community ties.

“Holy Family Institute extends its gratitude to Governor Josh Shapiro and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their invaluable support and to Senator Wayne Fontana and Representative Arvind Venkat for their dedicated advocacy, said Sister Linda Yankoski, chief executive officer of HFI.

“This investment in Nazareth Prep is an investment in the future of our community,” said Fontana. “By supporting the construction of this Activities Center, we’re not only enhancing educational facilities but also expanding opportunities for young people to grow, connect, and succeed."

The new Activities Center's groundbreaking is scheduled for spring 2025. Corporations, foundations, and individuals have also provided significant funding for the project.

RACP, administered by the Governor’s Office of the Budget, is a reimbursement grant program that supports essential design, acquisition, and construction projects across the Commonwealth. The program funds projects with regional impact, contributing to vibrant, resilient communities.

Yankoski said the planned Activities Center will provide Nazareth Prep’s student body with modern facilities that complement its rigorous curriculum and vital internship program.

“We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which brings us closer to realizing a vision for Nazareth Prep that meets the growing needs of our students and their families,” said Yankoski. “This new Activities Center will be a growth, opportunity, and community space for years. Through initiatives like this, Nazareth Prep and Holy Family Institute continue to address structural inequities in our community and provide pathways to success.”

Michael A. Sexauer, president of HFI, echoed this sentiment, adding, “With this support, we’re building more than just a facility. We’re creating a dynamic environment where students can explore their talents, engage in their interests, and connect with their community in new and meaningful ways. This Activities Center is an investment in the future of every young person who walks through our doors.”

HFI has served children, students, and families in Western Pennsylvania for nearly 125 years with a mission of empowering individuals to lead responsible lives grounded in faith, hope, and love. Through a unique blend of academics and workforce development, Nazareth Prep equips students from traditionally underserved communities with career skills and work experience, helping them secure a strong foundation for the future.