The Catholic Education Foundation of Los Angeles announced on Wednesday, Junt 16, that it has received an anonymous $50 million donation to support elementary and high school students at more than 200 Catholic schools run by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

“The kindness and love reflected in this gift are beyond words,” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said in a statement. “This gift will change the lives of countless young men and women, for generations to come, opening up opportunities for the future they could never have dreamed of. On behalf of all these young people, their families, and the whole family of God, we thank God for this benefactor and this beautiful expression of love for the church.”

The donation, allocated over five years, is expected to provide tuition assistance and other support for students. According to the archdiocese, the Catholic Education Foundation has provided $225 million in tuition assistance to more than 200,000 students over the past three decades. Students receiving such assistance have a 98% graduation rate and a 98% college-attendance rate, according to the foundation.

Catholic schools run by the diocese will resume in-person instruction for the upcoming school year.

“This is a remarkable opportunity to welcome new and legacy families to our Catholic schools. A gift of this magnitude will change the lives of thousands of students, particularly our most needy,” said Paul Escala, senior director and superintendent of schools for the archdiocese. “We are deeply grateful for the confidence and faith this gift reflects in our teachers, leaders and families.”