Mission
Jesse F. Anderson Sr. Scholarship, is part of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas outreach program. One of the many concerns of our late rector, Jesse F. Anderson, Sr. was in the field of higher education and its relevancy to African–American youth in Philadelphia.
He deeply felt that financial assistance in any form was essential, if the aspirations of our youth were to become a reality. In1972, the vestry allocated funds, from the endowment fund to start the scholarship.
A renewable, one year scholarship was established for our neighborhood schools, Overbrook, University City and West Philadelphia High Schools. This year Lamberton High was included. The students are not selected because of high grades but for financial need and potential. The principal or school scholarship committee of each school selects the students.
In 1997, The St. Thomas Book Award was established for the youth of St. Thomas Church. Students must attend St. Thomas church regularly, participant in St Thomas youth activities, provide a letter of acceptance from a two or four year institution of higher education.
Our major fund-raiser is Scholarship Month, usually in June. From the inception of the scholarship the congregation has been involved in fundraising. We are constantly raising money for this worthy cause.