Madonna Foundation is focused on increasing access to Catholic high schools in the Chicago area for young urban women, as well as supporting their spiritual, psychological, academic and social dimensions. Presently, we provide scholarships, tutoring, funds for diagnostic testing and academic remediation, and other social and psychological services for over 100 young women enrolled in Catholic high schools for young women serving Chicago's northside.
These young women come from families who are experiencing economic difficulties, many of whom are unemployed or under-employed. They live in economically and socially disadvantaged areas of Chicago, marked by gang activity, violence and drug trafficking. A diverse cohort of young women, many of them speak a language other than English in their homes. Although many of them have not tested (on a standardized test) in the upper quartile, many have demonstrated a work ethic that has enabled their achievement to outpace their ability.