The Dunleavy Scholars Program, established through a historic $8 million gift from the Dunleavy Foundation, is an endowed scholarship initiative at Devon Preparatory School designed to recognize and support high-achieving students with exceptional promise in STEM and persuasive writing.
Founded by Dr. Keith Dunleavy ’87 and Dr. Katherine Dunleavy, the Dunleavy Foundation’s investment ensures that academically talented students will have access to a rigorous, values-based Catholic education at Devon Prep in perpetuity.
“We wanted to provide enough capital so this wouldn’t just help students today, but would continue at scale — becoming a meaningful focus of the school for generations to come.” — Dr. Keith Dunleavy ’87
Dr. Katherine Kirby Dunleavy & Dr, Keith Dunleavy
The Dunleavy Foundation’s Historic Investment in Devon Prep
In 2025, Devon Preparatory School received the largest philanthropic gift in its 70-year history — an $8 million commitment from the Dunleavy Foundation.
This transformational gift reflects the Foundation’s mission to expand access to high-level education while incentivizing academic excellence. Through the Dunleavy Scholars Program, the Dunleavy Foundation strengthens Devon Prep’s academic offerings and provides long-term support for students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability and character.
What began as a $1 million pledge grew into a visionary partnership between the Dunleavy Foundation and Devon Prep leadership, resulting in an endowed scholarship program designed to shape the school’s future for generations.
Dunleavy Scholars Eligibility and Selection Process
The Dunleavy Scholars Program, funded by the Dunleavy Foundation, is open to Devon Preparatory School students following their freshman year, with up to 30 students selected annually across both academic tracks. Scholarship recipients are announced in early February, with program-specific curricular enhancements beginning the following academic year.
Supported by the Dunleavy Foundation, the Persuasive Writing Scholars Program develops students with a demonstrated aptitude for primary source document analysis, critical thinking, and persuasive writing.
This track reflects the Foundation’s belief in the importance of intellectual rigor and articulate expression — skills essential for leadership, civic engagement, and lifelong success.
Program Focus Areas:
Formation of confident, thoughtful communicators
Primary source analysis and interpretation
Analytical and persuasive writing
Intellectual discourse and ethical reasoning
The STEM Scholars Program, also supported by the Dunleavy Foundation, advances high-achieving students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This program aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to innovation and national competitiveness by preparing students for advanced study and leadership in STEM fields.
Program Focus Areas:
Preparation for competitive college STEM pathways
Advanced science and mathematics coursework
Analytical reasoning and problem solving
Innovation, inquiry, and applied learning
An Endowed Dunleavy Foundation Legacy
The Dunleavy Scholars Program is fully endowed by the Dunleavy Foundation, ensuring that scholarship support will be sustained year after year for generations of Devon Prep students.
By investing in long-term access and academic excellence, the Dunleavy Foundation has created a program rooted in permanence rather than short-term outcomes, strengthening Devon Preparatory School today while shaping its future for decades to come.
Devon Preparatory School extends its deepest gratitude to the Dunleavy Foundation and to Dr. Keith Dunleavy ’87 and Dr. Katherine Dunleavy for their extraordinary generosity, leadership, and vision. Through their partnership, the Dunleavy Foundation has established a lasting legacy that will continue to transform the lives of Devon students for years to come.
