Faith has always been present in my life but my journey into truly knowing the Lord has been deeply personal and shaped by hardship and growth. I was raised in the church as a young girl surrounded by sermons scripture and the belief in God. However as I grew older I realized that being raised around faith was not the same as truly knowing the Lord for myself. My relationship with God had to become something personal something I sought out and held onto during the most difficult seasons of my life. My childhood was not easy. I grew up in a resource poor community where poverty instability and violence were part of everyday life. When I was ten years old I lost my father a loss that changed my life forever. After his passing my family experienced even more instability including being evicted from our home. During that time grief and uncertainty became a heavy part of my life. There were many moments where I felt isolated discouraged and unsure about my future. It often felt like life was pushing me to give up before I even had the chance to dream about what my future could look like. It was during those seasons of hardship and isolation that my faith became real to me. I began to seek God for myself not just because I had been raised in church but because I truly needed His guidance comfort and strength. In quiet moments of prayer and reflection I began to understand that even when life felt overwhelming God was still present. My faith became a source of peace and resilience helping me continue forward even when the path ahead felt uncertain. Through prayer and spiritual growth I began to understand that my experiences had a purpose. I believe God allowed me to walk through certain trials so that one day I could help others who are facing similar struggles. My faith reminds me that adversity does not define our future but instead shapes us into people who are able to serve and uplift others with compassion and understanding. One of the biggest ways my faith has shaped my life is through my passion for working with children. As a child facing many hardships teachers and caring adults became sources of encouragement stability and hope for me. They supported me when my circumstances made it difficult to focus on school or believe in my own potential. Because of them I began to imagine a future where I could become that same source of support for another child who needed someone to believe in them. Today my goal is to become an early childhood educator so that I can give children the encouragement and support that meant so much to me growing up. I want to work with young students especially those growing up in communities like the one I was raised in where many children face challenges that affect their learning and confidence. I want my classroom to be a place where children feel safe valued and capable of achieving more than their circumstances may suggest. My faith plays a central role in this calling. I believe that serving others especially children is a way of living out Gods purpose for my life. One verse that continues to guide me is Jeremiah 29 11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future. This verse reminds me that even when life feels uncertain Gods plan is still unfolding and our purpose is still ahead of us. In the future I plan to complete my degree in Early Childhood Education and dedicate my career to serving the community that raised me. I want to pour into children the same way teachers once poured into me offering encouragement patience and belief in their abilities. Receiving this scholarship would play an important role in helping me achieve these goals. As a student who supports herself while pursuing her education financial assistance would help relieve the burden of tuition and allow me to stay focused on completing my degree. More importantly this scholarship would not only support my education but also the children and communities I hope to serve. With faith perseverance and the opportunity to continue my education I am confident that I can walk in the purpose God has placed on my life and make a meaningful difference.

Growing up in Chester, Pennsylvania, a predominantly Black, low-income city, taught me that struggle can either break you or build you. At 21, I choose to be built by it. My dream is to pour back into the same community that raised me, to advocate for change, and to create safe, inspiring spaces for our youth. I’m currently earning my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and student teaching, which allows me to see firsthand the power of education in shaping young minds. Outside the classroom, I lead a youth leadership team and a praise dance ministry for young girls at my church. Through these groups, we organize food and clothing drives and community outreach events that not only meet immediate needs but also remind our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and loved. My path hasn’t been easy. I lost my father at ten, and much of my childhood was spent moving from couch to couch, facing homelessness and instability. Yet, my community carried me. Mentors, church members, and educators poured into me, showing me that my circumstances didn’t define my future, they refined it. Now, I want to be that same light for the next generation, to help young people in Chester believe that they, too, can rise above. This scholarship isn’t just financial support, it’s fuel for my purpose. It will help me continue my education, expand my community programs, and eventually open a youth resource center that offers mentorship, creative expression, and empowerment. Personally, it means freedom, the freedom to focus on my calling rather than my challenges. Professionally, it means becoming the educator, advocate, and leader I once needed. I’ve turned pain into purpose, and with your help, I’ll keep turning purpose into progress.

My name is Jahnae Harmon, and I am a first-year college student from Chester, PA, a low-income community. Growing up, I was surrounded by economic hardship and limited resources, which created challenges for my family and me. Despite these obstacles, I have always been determined to rise above my circumstances and make a positive impact on those around me. My family, though small and faced with financial struggles, has always been a source of support and love. My mother, a hardworking woman, taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of striving for more, even when resources are scarce. My experiences growing up in Chester, where opportunities are limited, have inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education. I’ve witnessed the struggles of children in my community who don’t have access to the educational support and resources they need to succeed. I want to be the change in my community that helps children break the cycle of disadvantage. Education is the key to overcoming socioeconomic challenges, and I am determined to equip myself with the knowledge and skills to help children thrive despite the obstacles they face. I am currently attending college, studying Early Childhood Education. I chose this field because I believe that the foundation of a child’s education is crucial in shaping their future. My goal is to become an educator who not only teaches academic skills but also encourages children to believe in themselves, rise above their circumstances, and pursue their dreams. I want to be someone who provides not just education, but also mentorship, guidance, and support for children who may not have those resources at home. In the future, I plan to work in communities like my own, where I can be a positive influence on children and families. I am passionate about creating educational programs and mentorship opportunities that give children the tools they need to succeed academically and personally. My ultimate goal is to be a leader in advocating for equitable education and resources in underserved and impoverished communities. I want to empower children to believe in their potential, regardless of the limitations their environment may impose on them. I believe that through education and support, we can break the cycle of socioeconomic adversity. My experiences have shaped my commitment to making a difference, and I am eager to continue on this path to help those who need it most.

My name is Jahnae Harmon, and I am a first-year college student from Chester, PA, a low-income, resource-poor community. Growing up in a place where economic hardship and limited opportunities are common, I witnessed firsthand the challenges children and families face every day. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the barriers that many in my community struggle with, and they have fueled my determination to break the cycle of poverty through education and support. I am currently studying Early Childhood Education, with the goal of not only becoming a teacher but also using education as a tool to uplift my community. I believe that education has the power to change lives and break the cycles of adversity. My personal experiences with socioeconomic hardship have given me a unique perspective on the importance of support systems, mentorship, and access to resources. These are the factors that can help children and families overcome challenges and find opportunities for success, no matter where they come from. Growing up, I often found myself facing obstacles that others may not have experienced, such as limited access to educational resources, financial instability, and a lack of support from outside the community. These struggles, however, taught me resilience and perseverance. They also deepened my belief that every child deserves access to the tools they need to succeed. This belief is what motivates me to pursue a career in early childhood education and why I am passionate about helping others who face similar struggles. In my efforts to create positive change, I founded a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring and supporting children aged 8 to 18 in Delaware County. Through this organization, I have been able to provide tutoring, mentorship, and emotional support to local youth who face the same challenges I did growing up. I also organize charity events, such as food drives and clothing giveaways, to help meet the basic needs of families in my community. These initiatives are just a few examples of how I am actively working to provide the support, encouragement, and resources that can help children overcome socioeconomic barriers. Experiencing socioeconomic adversity has shaped my relationships in profound ways. It has given me a deep sense of empathy for others, particularly those who are overlooked or underserved. I am driven by a desire to uplift those around me and to build supportive, trusting relationships with others, whether they are children in need of guidance or adults who can collaborate to bring about change. These relationships are the foundation of my efforts to create a more equitable community. Looking ahead, my future plans revolve around using education to create spaces where children from underserved backgrounds can thrive. I want to be an educator who not only teaches academic subjects but also empowers children to believe in their potential and rise above their circumstances. Through my work, I hope to inspire the next generation to break free from the limitations of socioeconomic adversity and create positive change within their own communities. Experiencing adversity has shaped my identity and my mission. It has given me a sense of purpose and a vision for how I can help others overcome the challenges I faced. Education, mentorship, and community support are the tools I believe will make a lasting impact, and I am committed to using them to uplift those in need.

My name is Jahnae Harmon, and I am a first-year college student from Chester, PA, a low-income, resource-poor community. Growing up surrounded by economic hardship and limited resources, I’ve always been determined to break the cycle of disadvantage. I am studying Early Childhood Education to positively impact children and families in my community. Through my education, I hope to gain the tools to inspire and uplift the next generation of leaders. This scholarship will not only support my personal journey but also enable me to better serve my community. Financial assistance will allow me to focus on gaining the necessary skills to advocate for children and families in Chester and beyond. Education is a powerful tool, and by becoming an educator, I can help foster hope, change, and opportunity for children who need it most. I am aware of the challenges children in my community face, and I am committed to providing them with the support, encouragement, and resources they need to succeed. My academic and career goals are deeply rooted in my desire to use education as a tool for change. I aspire to be more than just a teacher; I want to empower children to overcome challenges, think critically, and believe in their potential. I plan to create safe, supportive spaces where children feel valued, heard, and empowered. Education is the key to unlocking opportunities, and I am dedicated to opening that door for others. In addition to my academic work, I have been actively involved in my community. One of my proudest accomplishments is founding a non-profit organization focused on mentoring, educating, and supporting children between the ages of 8 and 18 in Delaware County. Through this organization, we provide tutoring, mentorship, and emotional support to help youth succeed both academically and personally. I also organize charity work like food drives and clothing giveaways to meet the basic needs of families in my community. These actions align with my broader mission to advocate for those who are often overlooked and underserved. Like anyone working for change, I’ve faced challenges along the way. One experience that stands out was when I organized a mentorship event for local youth that didn’t go as planned. Despite my best efforts in contacting professionals and promoting the event, the turnout was smaller than expected, and I felt I had let the children down. However, I chose not to view this as a failure but as an opportunity to reflect and improve. I realized that setbacks are part of progress, and I could always refine my outreach and community engagement strategies. This experience taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and understanding that challenges are part of the journey toward success. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with others. Whether it’s with children or adults, I build relationships based on trust and understanding, which helps me better support those around me. Another strength is my determination to make a positive impact. I approach every project with passion and drive, ensuring that I do everything I can to help others. My resilience in the face of adversity, both personally and in my community work, has made me more adaptable and focused. I also value collaboration, as working with others allows us to amplify the positive change we can create. This scholarship will help me continue my education and amplify the work I’m doing in my community. It will provide me with the tools to grow as a leader and educator, enabling me to continue being the change I wish to see in the world.

My name is Jah’Nae Harmon, I am 18 years old and a 2022 graduate of the Chester Charter Scholars Academy. As a lifelong resident of Chester, Pennsylvania-- which is a predominantly Black low-income community bordering Philadelphia. I have firsthand experience with growing up in an underserved, resource poor community. Fortunately, I was exposed at an early age to programs that promoted youth leadership and civic engagement. These programs along with an innate desire to help people are what motivated me to utilize my time, talents, and strengths to give back to and uplift my community. Once named amongst the most dangerous cities in the U.S.-- Chester, Pennsylvania is home to just over 35,000 residents. At present both our local city government and school district are in financial distress. As a disenfranchised Black community it's sometimes hard to remain hopeful to see the good in other people and to believe there is a better way of life. It’s hard to look beyond what you see every day and wish for something more. It is also hard to overcome trauma in a community that is retraumatized every day. As a young Black woman from Chester, this is why I have given and continue to give back to my community- not only with tangible things like organizing food and clothing drives, but in spirit, love, and knowledge as well, which are just as important. Being a young person without much say so in the world, it can get challenging to be of service because some people don't believe you have the capacity to help. However, I believe my purpose in this lifetime is to change that status quo and show that young people have what it takes to help heal and grow our communities. Over the years I have held positions in leadership that have allowed me to impact the lives of many people within the Black community. As Vice President of the Chester Youth Leadership Team; I have traveled the U.S. and used my voice as a tool and a platform to bring awareness to the social issues and inequalities the Black community faces. I also spearheaded the creation of a mentoring program for young Black girls ages 7-16. Here I taught the principles of sisterhood, self-love, self-care, and healthy relationships. These ages are when outside opinions discourage us the most. Society comments on our hair, our complexion, our weight, who and what we love, etc. I feel my duty as their sister is to make sure they know they are beautiful, loved, and deserving of everything wonderful the world has to offer. I also helped to establish a student council at my high school, where I held the position of Secretary. This allowed me to give back to my community by hosting canned food drives and donating to our local shelters to provide winter coats and other essential items for homeless children and families. During this time, I also participated in a tutoring program within my school to give academic assistance to students in need. Additionally, I have also created a healing circle for young Black women to learn about our bodies so we can be healthy, mentally, physically, and spiritually. I found this to be both important and instrumental for those of us overcoming trauma in communities of color. Lastly, as a poet and youth leader I have written and performed essays and poems depicting the African-American youth experience in America; utilizing my work to heighten awareness on issues such as gun violence, poverty, education, and mental health in the Black community. Over the years I have gone through many battles and things that changed my course of direction, but one thing that has never changed is my desire to help others. Therefore, I began my spiritual journey in August of 2018, in order to heal myself and figure out my purpose. I found that as I got better the environment and people around me did as well. Working on myself allowed me to see the work I was doing in others unintentionally. I realized that my purpose was to help people in whatever way I could be of service. I have done so many amazing things for my community, but all of these things became possible because I did the work I needed to do within myself. Me giving back to myself and healing allowed me to give back to others. With everything I have done to give back to the black community-- I still plan to do more. I plan to grow and continue my programs, mentorships, and spiritual circles beyond just my city. In closing, my work in my community of color has also shaped my plan to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and careers in Civil Rights and Public Administration; where I can continue to use my strengths, time, and talents to help, serve, and protect the rights of Black people through the administration of law and shaping policy specifically for black people to make sure we are represented by and in government. I hope that my work will empower our Black communities and invoke a sense of identity, pride, and duty in others.

My name is Jah'Nae Harmon and I am a young black woman from Chester, PA. According to recent FBI statistics Chester is considered the third most dangerous city in Pennsylvania. With just a small population of 34,000 your chance of becoming a victim to a violent crime is 1 in 18. Being born to a city with a reputation like mine, you have no other choice but to exhibit bravery everyday you step out of your home. Not only do I display bravery by living here, but I exude courage and boldness by thriving here. I know you may be wondering what I mean by this statement but I'll elaborate. Children who grow up in my city are taught what we can amount to from day one. We can only aspire to be athletes, fast food workers, or corporate employees. I believe that I will change this status quo by pursuing my purpose in becoming a lawyer, and I don't say my career but my purpose. I have had many people question me, call me crazy, and ridicule me because of my desire to live up to everything I know I can be. I believe this is because we have been predisposed since birth to failure. Who we are, buried by opinions and limitations that ultimately take a toll on our self esteem and truly make us believe we will never amount to anything. I know so many people in my community that haven't received the same resources, support, and positive leadership I have in order to truly believe in themselves which in turn, makes them unable to believe in anyone who has come from the same circumstances. I hope with all the work I do in the future I can help shift perspectives and make change in my city.