STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Chesterton Schools Network have formed an academic partnership that will give Chesterton Academy high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through Franciscan University in their junior and senior years.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and Dale Ahlquist, president of the Chesterton Schools Network and the Society of G.K. Chesterton, signed the agreement at a formal ceremony on April 8, 2022.

The Franciscan Advantage program, the first of its kind for both institutions, enables Chesterton students to enroll concurrently in designated Franciscan University and Chesterton Schools Network partnership courses. Students will earn college credit from Franciscan upon successful completion of college-level exams. College credit earned may also be transferred to other institutions.

“We are pleased to partner with the Chesterton Schools Network to provide their students with more affordable, easier access to Franciscan University’s academically excellent and passionately Catholic classes and formation,” said Father Pivonka. “Our commitment to educate, evangelize, and send forth joyful disciples of Jesus Christ connects well with the Chesterton Network’s emphasis on a faithful, Catholic liberal arts education that strongly values the development of Christian virtue.”

“The Chesterton Schools Network is committed to affordable, rigorous Catholic high school education,” said Ahlquist. “Finding ways to make an outstanding college education affordable is a natural next step for us. We are excited to partner with Franciscan to further challenge our students while providing a way to help students reduce or avoid college debt.”

In the program’s first year, Chesterton students concurrently enrolled in designated Franciscan philosophy and theology courses will be eligible to earn up to 12 college credit hours. The agreement could expand to 36 credit hours across additional disciplines in future years. All 50 member schools in the worldwide Chesterton Schools Network are eligible to participate in the program; enrollment for juniors and seniors begins in August 2022.

Franciscan Advantage students can also take part in Franciscan’s unique Franciscan Life Online, which provides opportunities for community and faith formation through virtual events such as small group meetings, weekly Rosary, and livestreamed lectures.

Tom Costello, Franciscan University’s first program manager for Franciscan Advantage, will work closely with Chesterton school leaders and families to help them make the most of Franciscan’s offerings. Costello established a Chesterton Academy School while serving as principal at Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, so he has a first-hand understanding of the needs of Chesterton students.

“Concurrent enrollment makes college more affordable and possible for many students, and Franciscan’s outstanding classes fit well within authentically Catholic schools,” said Costello. “I look forward to building the partnership between Franciscan University and the Chesterton Schools Network as we start implementing our Franciscan Advantage program.”

For more information about the partnership, visit Franciscan.edu/advantage. To connect with Tom Costello, email him at [email protected].

About Franciscan University of Steubenville

One of only 15 faithfully Catholic universities endorsed by the Cardinal Newman Society, Franciscan University of Steubenville continues to lead the renaissance of Catholic higher education called for in Ex corde Ecclesiae.

Founded in 1946 by friars of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Franciscan University integrates excellent academic programs with a dynamic faith environment to serve 2,500 students from all 50 states and 17 countries on campus and an additional 900 students online. Ranked in the top tier of Midwest universities by U.S. News & World Report since 1998, Franciscan offers over 100 programs of study including 45 undergraduate degrees, 12 graduate programs, and 17 online programs—all grounded in Franciscan’s acclaimed Catholic core curriculum.

For more about Franciscan University of Steubenville and its mission to educate, evangelize, and send forth Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus Christ, visit Franciscan.edu or connect with Franciscan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

About the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton and the Chesterton Schools Network

The Chesterton Schools Network inspires and supports joyfully Catholic, classical, and affordable high schools with comprehensive curricula and support services. The network is an initiative of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, a Catholic lay apostolate dedicated to evangelization through education. Learn more at Chesterton.org.

To find a Chesterton school near you or for more information, visit ChestertonSchoolsNetwork.org.