“Leveling the playing field one child at a time”

Mission Statement

The goal of the McNamee Scholars Program is to provide deserving low-income students from the Philadelphia area with access to a quality education that will ensure their success in high school and college and prepare them for meaningful careers. The program is based on the belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. The program opens the door to higher education for the selected students and consequently has a positive impact on their future careers, their families and their communities.

Brief summary of the program

In 2009, a group of business and education professionals founded the McNameeScholars Program with the goal of providing low-income youth with opportunities for a quality education. The program was named in honor of Father John McNamee, a Catholic priest noted for his 25 years of dedication and service to the members of his North Philadelphia parish. The program provides a scholarship and a mentor to low-income students in the Philadelphia area. Since 2009, the program has selected 25 students for high school scholarships from the following five elementary schools: St. Malachy School, La Salle Academy, Hope Partnership for Education, St. Francis DeSales and Visitation BVM.

These 25 students attended the following eight high schools: Merion Mercy Academy, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, Bishop McDevitt, Roman Catholic High School, West Catholic Preparatory School, John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School and Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls.

In addition, the program selected thirteen high school graduates from these schools for college scholarships. While all of these schools are Catholic, the vast majority of the students are not. These schools are located in North and West Philadelphia and primarily serve low-income students. The selected students either attend or have graduated from the following universities: Fairfield University, American University, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, La Salle University, Widener University, Shippensburg University, University of Pittsburgh, Neumann University and Temple University. Additionally, former high school McNamee Scholars are currently attending various universities and colleges such as Swarthmore College and Wesleyan University.

Of the 36 students selected for the program, 33 have graduated or are on track to graduate college. Since inception, the program has paid or committed to pay over $525,000 in scholarship money.