Children and Youth Ministry...

The Jesse F. Anderson Scholarship
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. In 1972, 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. A student can renew for a fifth year after an interview with the committee. The first scholarship students received one hundred and fifty dollars a year. This year the students received nine hundred dollars for the year. 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.  The book awards are renewable.  The students receive six hundred dollars a year.

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.

This past college year 15 students were funded by The J.F.Anderson Scholarship.  Three students graduated in May and one will graduate in December.