A student’s stolen college fund leads Anna’s Place NOLA and St. Anna’s Episcopal Church supporters to establish Graduate Scholarship Fund
NEW ORLEANS — The actions Anna’s Place NOLA took two years ago to expand their after-school programs to include high school-aged students are bearing much fruit, with graduating seniors in 2021 ready to pursue college degrees or further studies in business administration at other post-secondary programs.
But when one of their recent grads, who saved $1500 from part-time work to defray college expenses, had their funds stolen, the Very Reverend Bill Terry, Rector of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church on Esplanade Avenue, had to take action.
The Anna’s Place NOLA Empowering Potential Scholarship Fund was established for these students, most who have been in the after-school program for more than 10 years to prepare for college or tech schools.
“These are outstanding, hard-working young adults who just need a small stipend to cover books and tuition costs,” said Fr. Terry.
While the initial goal was to help the student whose college savings were stolen, the Treme and church community have decided to take the challenge to help all of the program’s graduating seniors seeking post-secondary studies.
“Many of these students had significant challenges to overcome, but they have shown great resilience, beaten the odds and found the foundation for their success at Anna’s Place,” said Fr. Terry. “We want to support them in moving on to greater personal heights.”fr bill.jpg
Currently, the four Anna’s Place NOLA 2021 graduates have identified careers in education, nursing, business management and computer programming.
“Our united contributions may end up being modest, but the need for these students is great. I’m hoping many more in New Orleans will help us help them by giving to our Empowering Potential Scholarship Project,” Fr. Terry said. The program will give annual awards.
Donation information can be found by calling Fr. Terry at (504) 947-2121, finding the donation tab online at annasplace@stannanola.org or gofundme at https://www.gofundme.com/f/empowering-potential.
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