Independence Mission Schools (IMS) is excited to expand its Mission Champions program, which matches students in need of scholarship support with committed donors, to four more schools: St. Martin of Tours, St. Raymond of Penafort, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Frances Cabrini. The program kicked off in the 2025-2026 school year with three of our schools: St. Rose of Lima, St. Martin de Porres, and St. Helena-Incarnation.
Because the program brings together passionate supporters who want to ensure an exceptional Catholic school education remains affordable with individual students, it can create truly special moments.
In one such example, last year, Ava met with her Mission Champion, Justin R., during a spring Meet and Greet. She proudly shared her science fair project, “When Bacteria Is Grown, Will It Affect the Job of the Cleaning Product?” Ava had won third place in the competition, and Ava and Justin had a very warm and engaged conversation about it. They spoke about Ava’s love for science and her plans to complete a science enrichment summer camp at her school. Their connection reminded us that encouragement and a supportive bond can inspire students on their academic journeys.
“The new Mission Champions program at St. Helena-Incarnation is a great way for donors to engage with the school community,” said Dr. Nick Huck, Principal at St. Helena-Incarnation. “Our students enjoy the connection and the financial support goes a long way to making the IMS education more accessible.”
The word “mission” has been at the heart of Independence Mission Schools since its founding. IMS was created to give families of all faiths and income levels the opportunity to provide their children with a high-quality education in a nurturing environment and a culture of love, setting students on a path toward a promising future.
Our founders were champions of that mission. They brought vision, commitment, service, and leadership to a cause they believed could transform lives, inspiring others to join them along the way.
Today, that spirit lives on through our Mission Champions, donors, board members, families, friends, and supporters whose commitment helps fuel student success. Through their generosity, advocacy, and belief in our students, they help ensure that the IMS mission continues to grow and reach more children and families for generations to come.
For more information about Mission Champions, reach out to Meghan Vassallo, Director of Mission Champions, at mvassallo@imsphila.org.
