Did you know that The Simple Way offers an opportunity for young people connected to our community to attend and excel in college?

Appropriately called Simple Way Scholars, in partnership with Eastern University, we equip students for their undergraduate journey by supporting scholarship recipients financially and emotionally. It truly is a gift to see young people from Philadelphia get to pursue their dreams with one less obstacle standing in their way!

As the end of the school year is upon us, we wanted to introduce you to graduating scholar, Desirae DeJesus.

Desirae, a psychology major with a minor in biology, first heard about Simple Way Scholars through a former graduate of the program. Her own involvement not only gave her the opportunity to attend college, but it allowed her to spread hope and awareness to city teens like herself.

She remembers with fondness December’s Toy Drive. It was an inspiring, unique and humbling experience to help wrap toys for families in need. Additionally, getting to interact with parents and entire families during that season helped solidify her love for the city of Philadelphia.

Her involvement with Simple Way Scholars has also changed her in a number of different ways. Here’s what she had to say about this change:

“I have changed by becoming an active servant. Due to understanding and analyzing the values of The Simple Way, I now have a heart for the city of Philadelphia and the people within. I have engaged in communities that surround my university like Norristown and have supported and educated the children within their neighborhoods. The Simple Way has given me a spark to embark in communities that are often feared and broken and to show love to the communities that are known to be risky.”

Sit with Desirae’s words for a minute. What do they spark in you, especially when it comes to neighborhoods that are often seen as risky, feared, and broken?

Desirae’s story has only just begun, of course. She recently got a paid internship at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) in research administration. She hopes to get hired full-time for a year until she gets her doctorate in neuroscience.

To say that we are proud of this young woman is an understatement. Truly, we are THRILLED for her, for she inspires us to no end.

Join us in celebrating her by giving to Simple Way Scholars today!