Watch the new Christmas Joy Offering video
Watch the new 2012 Christmas Joy Offering video. Your generous gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering enable deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools.
These Educational Ministries Are for the Students
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!—Psalm 133:1
I have enjoyed visiting Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges, and I want to share some of their stories with you. The Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, Texas, was founded in 1911 by the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) under the name of Texas-Mexican Institute. In 1956, the name was changed to Presbyterian Pan American School. Pam Am, as it is called, is an institution that serves primarily Hispanic/Latino-a students, who live south of the U.S. border. Today 100% of the students at this co-educational boarding school continue their education beyond high school and many return to their native countries and become leaders in their multicultural and multilingual communities.
The Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was founded in 1881 by Presbyterian missionaries as a school for Native Americans. Opening as a boarding school, it became a day school in 2000. Its student body is primarily made up of Hispanic/Latino-a and Native American students. Ten years ago, the school experienced financial challenges and a decline in enrollment. Subsequently, a change in leadership, including a strong board of trustees and strong financial leadership, led to a steady increase in enrollment and a balanced budget. At least 80% of the students at the Menaul School continue their education beyond high school, and it recently returned to providing boarding opportunities for some of its students.
Explore racial-ethnic schools and colleges
Students like this young teen are the essence of the Presbyterian Pan American School, where 96 percent of seniors go on to colleges or universities. Photo by Toya Richards Hill.
The Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges relate to the General Assembly Mission Council through the Racial Ethnic and Women’s Ministries/Presbyterian Women ministry area. Each college welcomes students of any racial, ethnic or cultural background. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) helps to support the racial ethnic schools and colleges through the Christmas Joy Offering. This offering is shared 50 percent with the Board of Pensions.
Educating racial-ethnic students has been a mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for decades. From Stillman College founded in 1876 to the Presbyterian Pan American School started as Texas-Mexican Institute in 1911, the denomination’s commitment has continued. Learn more about Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges.
Discover Johnson C. Smith University
Johnson C. Smith University, a thriving educational center in Charlotte, N.C., celebrated the inauguration of the institution's 13th president, Dr. Ronald Lee Carter, in conjunction with its 142nd Founder's Day event in April, 2009. Read about the new directions the university is taking in global education and youth outreach and learn about the lives, accomplishments and future plans of JCSU's students. Learn more
Learn about these racial-ethnic schools and colleges
Cook Native American Ministries
The students, faculty and staff of PC(USA) related Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges are in need of both spiritual and material support. Here are some ways you or your congregation can help.
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