Rufus W. Skipworth III is remembered by all for his humor, his love of coffee, his entreprenurial endeavors, and as a helper in the community. 

As an advocate for education, Rufus  was "old school" and he carried the dream that his children would surpass his level of education and success.  He did his best to encourage all of  his children to excel in school and at life.    He made sacrifices and he "hustled" to ensure his children succeeded .  Don't get anything twisted, when we use the term hustle, we are  simply referring to his entrepreneurial spirit.  Rufus took on occasional odd jobs, did taxes, had his own transportation company and had a retail business selling any and everything that the community requested.   

Speaking of community, if you were a part of his community, you were family.  If he had it, you had it.  If he didn't have it, he would find a way.  If you needed a few dollars, some food, clothes, Mr. Skip was there.  He did what he could for the community and almost everyday  someone mentions that he is missed because of the impact he had on the community.

In honor of his memory, his family has created this scholarship.   It is our hope that we can help to support young, Black college students, that are making a difference  through community service or entrepreurship.   It is very easy to apply.  We ask applicants to use their phone , tablet or computer to create a 3 minute video following the format below.  Videos are judged based on the content and how thoroughly the questions are answered.  Video editing is not necessary and will not impact our decisions, we just ask that you do what is most comfortable for you. (See below for additional ideas)

Video format:
 1. Introduce yourself (include school, class year, hometown)
 2. Please select one  of the prompts below.

• Recent  HS graduates /1st semester College students- How have you made a difference in your neighborhood,  school or local community?  Please share an example, describe what you did, how you did it and how your community was positively impacted as a result.
• 2+ semester College students  -  Please describe how you define "community".   As a college student how have you made a difference in the community?  Please share an example of how you have helped the community and describe the outcome of your efforts.  How have you grown from this experience.
• Entrepreneurs in undergrad - Please describe your entrepreneurial endeavors or aspirations.  How do you balance this with school?   How does your business make a difference in the community?  Besides making money, how have grown as a person as a result of your business?

3. How will this scholarship help you?

Video Ideas:

• Set your phone on a table and just record yourself talking.
• Take us on a tour of your college or your workspace as you are talking.
• Create a slide show of pictures in powerpoint or canva and talk over the photos.
• Create a powerpoint presentation and record yourself giving the presentation.

This scholarship may be awarded twice per year.  The scholarship will be awarded in the form of a gift card to the University Book Store.    Before the scholarship is distributed, proof of enrollment must be submitted to the scholarship committee.  Participants are eligible to apply once per year.

​The Scholarship Amount and number of scholarships granted may vary depending upon the results of our fundraising efforts.  At a minimum, the award will be $300.
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The deadline to apply for Fall is August 1 (Extended until August 20)  and for Spring is December 1.

Any questions or comments can be sent to phillyhandmadeu@gmail.com.

apply now for the Rufus W. Skipworth Book Scholarship

2021 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our Spring 2021 Recipients

Daija S.W.
Class of 2023
California University of PA
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Side Hustle: Hair Stylist
​Follow them on IG: hairbydaij1204

Troy P.
Class of 2022
Temple University 
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Side Hustle: Faux Loctitian
​Follow them on IG: _.donebyt

2020 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our Spring 2020 Recipient!!!
Asaad P.
Class of 2023
University of Kentucky
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Side Hustle: Cutting Hair
Follow them on Instagram at:  saads_fresh_cuts

Congratulations to our Fall 2020 Recipient!!!
Sydney R.
Class of 2024
Emerson College
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Side Hustle: Graphic Designer and Social Media Content Creator
Follow them on Instagram at:_royalty.styles
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