The State College Knights of Columbus has pledged to donate $100,000 toward the proposed St. Joseph's Catholic Academy.

Backers hope to get a commitment of $2 million by the end of May.

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Nearly 60 people gathered at the Knights of Columbus Thursday while an exploratory committee presented research that supports the idea of building the school.

Sam Malizia, who is part of the committee, said the group found nearly 70 percent of Catholic school students receive aid, a little-known fact he feels may help ease the minds of many people who might be struggling financially.

"There are a lot of people that are afraid to come forward because they can't donate. We don't care. We want to know if you are going to send your child. If you can't afford to make the contribution, if you can't afford to pay tuition, that's secondary. There is money," Malizia said.

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