John Hancock Financial will donate $1 million over the next five years to Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy. The gift, announced on Monday at the Academy’s Columbia Campus in Dorchester, will be used to support successful literacy programs for English and non-English language learners, and recruitment programs to improve faculty diversity.

“As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, I’m proud we’re able to provide this meaningful gift to benefit the next generation of leaders in our city,” said Jim Boyle, president of John Hancock Financial. “This gift, along with additional civic engagement activities, underscores our deep commitment to ensuring the educational success of Boston’s students and supports Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy in carrying out its important work.”

The company said it would also fund an in-school history program in partnership with the Freedom Trail Foundation to deliver a custom-designed supplemental history and civics curriculum to PJPIICA’s students. The program will include a special American Revolution history education kit, with year-round activities and materials, including comprehensive lesson plans to guide teachers. Additionally, John Hancock’s strong core of employee volunteers will spend time with students on special activities throughout the five years.

“We are grateful to John Hancock Financial for this generous gift given in support of Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy,” said Cardinal Seán O’Malley.  “This significant contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students attending the Academy and, through the students’ success and achievements, have a positive impact on their families and the local community. We are blessed by John Hancock’s commitment to the neighborhoods of the City of Boston.”

More than 200 PJPIICA students attended the announcement ceremony and were treated to a visit from the Freedom Trail Foundation Scholars program’s 18th century costumed “John Hancock,” as well as interactive re-enactments of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. In addition, The Bostonian Society loaned a number of artifacts owned by the patriot John Hancock for viewing by the students as part of the celebration.