The Association of Catholic Student Councils (TACSC) was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from the William H. Hannon Foundation, which will enable the organization to hire a full-time staff member to oversee the development and implementation of programs in Southern California.

TACSC is a California non-profit leadership training corporation that serves Catholic elementary and junior high schools across the country.

"I'm excited that at long last we are able to reach schools in the inner city that would otherwise not be able to afford our services," said Marilyn Thickett, executive director. "The grant has also brought about rejuvenation in our volunteer staff in Southern California which has meant new life to TACSC on a national level as well."

St. Joseph High School in Lakewood is one of the schools and universities that host TACSC programs, which include a five-day Summer Leadership Training Program, a one-day Student Government Day, election workshops and in-service programs.

"When my late uncle founded this Foundation he did so with a focus on education," said Kathleen Hannon Aikenhead, president of the Hannon Foundation. "Education reaches beyond the classroom and TACSC's work is helping to train our future leaders today. TACSC blends both leadership training with spirituality. That's an important combination for creating strong leadership."