Posted
November 19, 2025
Each morning in the Michael T. George ’21 Student Success Center, sunlight spills across colorful classrooms where learning looks a little different—but the joy feels the same. The St. Andre Scholars program supports young men with moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities, helping them discover strengths, build confidence, and grow in their faith.
The program blends academic support with real-world learning, providing a structured environment where Scholars learn and grow. Each year, five new Scholars join the freshman class, becoming part of a close-knit, self-contained classroom with a modified curriculum tailored to their needs. Students work at their own pace with one-on-one guidance and intentional practice in reading, math, daily living skills, and communication.
Even with this specialized structure, Scholars are fully embraced as members of the St. Edward brotherhood. They join peers for electives and Theology classes, building friendships and community throughout the school day. At the heart of the program is an emphasis on dignity and belonging—teachers see the potential in every young man, encouraging each Scholar to take risks, celebrate progress, and gain independence.
I love teaching the Scholars and seeing them grow across all four years. Watching them learn, gain confidence, and own who they are is the most rewarding part of my job. - Renee Zorger, Director of the St. Andre Scholars Program
Outside the classroom, Scholars shine everywhere—on stage, on the field, volunteering through Campus Ministry, and cheering from the sidelines. Every handshake, smile, and shared success is a reminder that inclusion isn’t just a program at St. Edward—it’s a way of life.
Every Christmas season, Scholars roll up their sleeves for a hands-on project that puts their creativity, teamwork, and business savvy into action. They design, build, market, sell, and distribute a handcrafted gift—an experience that turns classroom learning into something tangible. This holiday season, the team is offering two tabletop games, with seniors stepping in to mentor younger students along the way.
“I like doing these projects every year because I learn how to build from scratch,” says Tyrese Buchanan ’26. “I’ve done this before, and I can help friends who haven’t.”
Every item is made by hand, then sold to the greater community through an online shop. Buchanan adds, “I like doing some research and looking up how much similar things cost so we know how much to sell ours for.”
As orders come in, students learn to read order forms, determine whether an item is for shipping or pick-up, pack the orders, and calculate the revenue from each sale. The project also brings Scholars into the broader community at local craft fairs, where they share their work in a supportive environment guided by teachers.
“The students learn to connect with customers to make in-person sales confidently. They talk about the project, ask whether someone is paying with cash or a card, and then process the entire transaction. They do such a great job, and there are so many authentic career skills they’re learning,” says Zorger.
“I’m painting and drilling. I’m going to sell the games. I get to do it with friends,” says Joseph Ramsey ’27.
All proceeds from the annual holiday shop project are reinvested in the program, covering the costs of field trips, cooking classes, and special programming. “The students want to head to Disneyland after we sell all the games, so we managed that expectation,” laughs Zorger. “They know they’ll get to do more incredible projects when they sell the items. They’re just so proud.”
The games are now available for presale and will be ready for pickup or shipping in time for Christmas. It’s a chance to support the students, place gifts under the tree, and have a beautiful conversation Christmas morning about owning something the St. Andre Scholars created with pride.
Zorger reminds the young men of the value of what they’re doing, and she hopes the community will continue to see it this year by ordering. “They'll support the mission of the St. Andre Scholars program and show the kids that what they’re doing is important and that they’re capable of great things.”
When people buy them, it proves how much work we’ve done. It’s a new experience for us. We can do anything. - St. Andre Scholar Joseph Ramsey ’27
