Catholic School Advantage

Looking at a map on your computer screen, it seems like a pretty straight shot from Washington, DC, to San Jose, California. Hop on I-80 West and a mere 42 hours and 2,842 miles later you’ll arrive at your destination. 

Mentor principals have played a critical role in the success of the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) since the program’s inception in 2012. The experience, accountability, and personal attention that these leaders provide has been a defining characteristic of the LEI, helping Catholic school principals—and their teams— institute lasting changes. 

After schools attend the LEI summer conference, mentor principals maintain regular contact with the 4-6 school leaders in their group through monthly video conference calls. These conversations, which focus on various themes related to Latino outreach, recruitment, and enrollment, are an opportunity for school leaders to learn from one another and receive real-time consultation and feedback from their mentor on some of the things that they’re doing in their school. 

The commitment of our LEI mentors, most of whom are still active Catholic school principals themselves, is truly the engine that drives the LEI.  

This month, we highlight Yvonne Schwab, one of our longest-serving mentors in the LEI. Yvonne is the former principal of St. James the Less School in Columbus, Ohio, where she was recognized nationally for her outstanding leadership. She has also served as a mentor principal for the LEI since the program's inception in 2012.

Join our Catholic School Advantage team as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th-October 15th. Check back often, as we'll continue to add  resources to help you honor this special month in your homes and classrooms. 

PHOTO: Challenge Roddie

Mentor principals have played a critical role in the success of the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) since the program’s inception in 2012. The experience, accountability, and personal attention that these leaders provide has been a defining characteristic of the LEI, helping Catholic school principals—and their teams— institute lasting changes. 

After schools attend the LEI summer conference, mentor principals maintain regular contact with the 4-6 school leaders in their group through monthly video conference calls. These conversations, which focus on various themes related to Latino outreach, recruitment, and enrollment, are an opportunity for school leaders to learn from one another and receive real-time consultation and feedback from their mentor on some of the things that they’re doing in their school. 

The commitment of our LEI mentors, most of whom are still active Catholic school principals themselves, is truly the engine that drives the LEI.  

In 2012, Mary Flock joined the very first LEI cohort, having just been given the seemingly impossible task of saving St. Gertrude the Great School (Bell Gardens, CA) from almost certain closure as the new principal. Not only did Mary prevent St. Gertrude from closing, but the school thrived under her leadership. Today, she serves as the principal of St. Polycarp School in Stanton, California, and is one of the longest-serving mentors in the LEI. 

Catholic schools in America have an impressive history of serving immigrant and marginalized communities in a Gospel-centered environment that honors the inherent God-given dignity, gifts, and culture of each child. Linguistically and culturally diverse students deserve to benefit fully from this legacy of Catholic education, which is uniquely positioned to serve their needs.