Bishop Ford C.C.H.S., Park Slope, established the Brother Michel Bettigole Financial Aid program for the 2012-2013 school year.

“(The) program will provide much needed financial assistance to families who want to send their children to Catholic high school but need financial support,” said Raymond P. Nash, president of the school.

The program takes its name from a Franciscan brother who taught at Bishop Ford and served as the chair of the social studies department, 1966-1974, and later as principal from 1980 until 1988.

Brother Michel led Bishop Ford during the height of its popularity, topping at nearly 1,800 students. After leaving Ford, he served as program director for the Prayer Channel from 1988-1994. In 1994, he served as principal of Cardinal Gibbons High School in North Carolina. He is the editor of two anthologies: Stories of God and Tales of God.

The financial aid program has been established through the generosity of Alumni and Friends of Bishop Ford C.C.H.S. to enable families to provide their children with a great Catholic education.

Families can apply at www.bishopfordhs.org.

The financial aid program is open to all incoming freshman. Students currently attending Bishop Ford and returning for the 2012-2013 school year will be able to apply beginning Feb. 1.