Programs - Embrace

Our Programs

Every child deserves the opportunity of a Catholic education. Here is how we make it possible.

Our mission is to provide the opportunity for an inclusive education by supporting children with disabilities and learning differences in their Catholic schools. We partner with the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to serve its 42 Catholic schools.

We invest in three ways: grants that help schools hire specialists and provide funding to purchase learning resources, scholarships that help teachers earn a masters degree in special education, and hands-on training for the paraprofessionals who work beside students every day.

A child's disability or learning difference should never prevent them from receiving a Catholic education.

Kim Hammers

Executive Director, EMBRACE

In grants and
scholarships since 2018

$ 0 M

Catholic Schools Funded

Teacher scholarships awarded

Paraprofessionals trained

Three ways we support our schools

School Grants

Strengthening Catholic Schools. Supporting Teachers. Embracing All Learners.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their God-given potential. EMBRACE partners with Archdiocesan Catholic schools to provide the personnel, resources and professional development that help students with disabilities and learning differences succeed. Our goal goes beyond funding a position or buying materials: we help schools build inclusive communities that last.

More than $2.8 million to 29 schools since 2018.

Next deadlines: Intent to Apply Dec. 18, 2026 · Full application Jan. 22, 2027

Bill & Jean Dunn Masters of Arts in Special Education Scholarship

Investing in Teachers. Empowering Students. Strengthening Catholic Education.

In partnership with Benedictine College, EMBRACE fully funds a Masters of Arts in Special Education for Archdiocesan teachers, covering 100% of tuition, fees and required books; removing the financial barrier for teachers who want to expand their knowledge and better serve students with disabilities and learning differences. We’re investing not only in teachers, but in the students, families and school communities they serve.

Since 2020, 65 scholarships across seven cohorts.

Next deadline: Letters of interest Jan. 29, 2027

Paraprofessional Training

Equipping those who make a difference.

Paraprofessionals often work one-on-one or in small groups with students who need extra support, helping them access instruction, build independence and reach their potential. Yet they’re often asked to take on that role with limited formal training.

We offer specialized two-day training, every two years in partnership with the Archdiocese, for the paraprofessionals who support students in our classrooms.

Fifty-six paras from 20 schools trained since 2022.

Next training: TBA

Why this work matters

The story of Bill & Jean Dunn

Bill and Jean Dunn raised six children: five sons and their daughter, Mary, who was born in 1967 with Down syndrome. Mary was one of their family’s greatest blessings. While their sons had the opportunity to receive a Catholic education, Mary did not. At the time, Catholic schools lacked the resources and support needed to meet her learning needs.

Bill and Jean believed deeply in Catholic education and in the importance of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow. Their generosity, faith and commitment to others helped support EMBRACE from its early days.

Today their legacy lives on through the Bill & Jean Dunn Masters of Arts in Special Education Scholarship, which equips Catholic school teachers to better serve students with disabilities and learning differences.

Their story reminds us why this work matters: every child deserves the opportunity to belong, learn and grow in a Catholic school community.

What our community says

"EMBRACE has had a great impact on our 42 schools throughout the Archdiocese. In addition to providing professional development for our educators, EMBRACE has also provided other resources that we've been able to use in the classrooms."

"I've seen a big change from the beginning, when we felt like we couldn't serve all of these children. Now we have the resources, and it has been EMBRACE that has changed that culture. Instead of 'how we can't,' it is now, 'Oh, we absolutely can.'"

"There are still moms out there like me, who cried when they were told that their child couldn't come to a Catholic school. And that should never, ever happen."

Being embraced means more than just receiving academic support. It means being seen, being valued, being included, and knowing that you have a place in your school and in your community.

Juan Santoyo

St. James Academy Class of 2026

Together, we are strengthening Catholic education

EMBRACE is grateful for the Catholic schools, educators, families and donors who share our commitment to inclusive education. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their God-given potential.

Last year, EMBRACE awarded more than $720,000 in grants and scholarships, our biggest year yet, and our schools requested more than $1.2 million.

Together, we are EMBRACEing ALL students.

Help close the gap

By working together, we are building stronger school communities where students with disabilities and learning differences are valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Your gift helps a school hire a specialist, a teacher earn a degree, and a para gain the skills to support every student.