How Does Asher Work?:

Asher Student Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable religious organization governed by a national Board of Trustees composed of business and professional people from many parts of the country. Each officer and trustee is a practicing Christian Scientist and a member of both The Mother Church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts, and one of its branches.

Asher Student Foundation maintains its headquarters office in Los Angeles. The Executive Director and a small support staff coordinate the Asher program nationwide.

Each Asher House has a local Board of Trustees that is responsible for its operation and maintenance. Working within guidelines provided by the Foundation, the Board employs house managers and implements programs designed to accomplish the Asher purpose.

Asher’s rents are comparable to those found in nearby dormitories. Some locations, like New York City and Berkeley, need to charge according to the market rate for neighborhood housing.

Affiliated housing, listed in Asher’s Directory, is pre-approved for use by students. While each location is privately owned and operated, host families and individuals agree to work in support of Asher’s purpose.

Asher residents must be students of Christian Science. Membership in The Mother Church, a branch church, A Christian Science Sunday School, and/or the Christian Science Organization on campus helps to serve as evidence of their sincerity. If not already a member, an individual may be accepted into an Asher House with the understanding that he or she will apply for membership within the first 6 months of residency.

Asher is not a substitute for church. Rather, the environment found in each house contributes to the individual's desire to become involved in the Christian Science Organization on campus and/or a local branch of The Mother Church.

	"One thing I remember about Asher was the warm family feeling. Also, my grades improved while there. I might not have made it into graduate school without the better sense of discipline I got from living at Asher House. Wonderful friendships develop and great spiritual growth comes from the Asher experience."
	An Asher Alum