Jesuit Mission
Alumni Service Corps
The Alumni Service Corps (ASC) is a 10-month volunteer program for St. Joseph's Preparatory School alums who have recently graduated from college. Alums work in a variety of different jobs at the Prep and are assigned responsibilities in co-curriculars, sports, clubs, retreats, and service projects. In return for this work, ASC members live in community together and receive housing and a stipend for food and other expenses.
The Emmaus Teaching Fellowship (ETF) is in its first year of the Prep. It was designed specifically for alumni who, upon finishing their time as ASCs, continue to discern a vocation in teaching. ETFs teach four classes in a specific department and take on at least one other major responsibility directly linked to the school's mission. They live in community alongside the ASCs and serve as mentors and role models for them.
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(Left to right) Jack Clinton, Scott Hibbs, Riley Burns, Steve Dierkes
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Riley Burns '18
As an ASC, Riley taught two sections of English I and shared his talents in working with Admissions, Mission & Ministry, and Learning Services. Although he has contributed to Prep life in many ways outside the school day, he is most famous for being the coach of the (almost) undefeated Freshman Basketball Team. Riley is now working full-time in the English Department. rburns@sjprep.org
Stephen Dierkes '18
As an ASC, Stephen taught one section of Latin I and shared his talents in working with Liturgical Ensemble, Mission & Ministry, and Learning Services. He has contributed to Prep life outside the school day in many ways: particularly as a coach of the Swimming Team and coordinator of Stage Crew for the Cape & Sword Drama Society. Stephen is working in the Classics Department and will teach and direct the Liturgical Ensemble. sdierkes@sjprep.org
Jack Clinton '18
Jack, a native of Havertown, graduated from Temple University with a major in communications. He will work with Admissions, Mission & Ministry, DEI, and Learning Services. jclinton@sjprep.org
Scott Hibbs '19
Scott is from Drexel Hill and graduated from Fordham University with a major in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. He will work with the History Department, Mission & Ministry, and Learning Services. shibbs@sjprep.org
A Brief History of the ASC
The Alumni Service Corps (ASC) at St. Joseph's Prep was established in 1994 under the guidance of President Rev. David Sauter, SJ and Director of Campus Ministry, Rev. Joseph Michini, SJ. Both priests fondly remembered a time when Jesuit schools had many young Jesuit scholastics. These scholastics lived in community, taught, coached, led retreats, moderated activities, worked in various offices, and contributed their youthful energy and enthusiasm to all aspects of the Prep. The decline in priestly vocations in the 70s, 80s, and 90s inevitably resulted in an absence of Jesuit scholastics.
The ASC was founded specifically for Prep alumni in order to help restore that youthful energy and enthusiasm formerly contributed by the scholastics. Now in its 29th year, the program has been very successful in serving the Prep community and in nurturing young alumni in their continued pursuit of being "men for and with others." It has served as a bridge between undergraduate studies and all the opportunities and challenges of the world beyond.
ASC members have served the Prep by teaching in all departments, working in every office, coaching/moderating countless activities, and leading Kairos and other retreats. At the end of their ASC year, most members enter graduate programs or begin their profession. Many ASCs have remained in education with several working at 17th & Girard.
ASC FAQ
List of 6 items.
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Is the Alumni Service Corps only for alumni who have a major or minor in education?
No. The majority of ASC members have not had degrees in education. They are assigned to work in areas that complement their strengths. ASC members who are assigned to teach receive mentorship. -
Is the Alumni Service Corps only for alumni who want to be teachers?
No. The majority of ASC members have ventured into other fields after their year of service. Of course, the world can always use good teachers, and the ASC program provides a great foundation for those who do wish to teach. -
Do all ASC members have to teach their own classes?
No. Although many ASC members have taught their own classes, a significant number have worked outside the classroom in offices such as Mission & Ministry, Admission and Institutional Advancement. -
How many ASC students apply per year, and how many are chosen?
The number of applicants has varied but is typically between 10 and 20 per year. While the number of applicants chosen to join the ASC has also varied, it has never exceeded 7. -
Do all ASC members live on campus?
Yes. An important component of the ASC program is living in community. The house is conveniently located less than 100 feet from the main entrance to the Prep and about a mile from Center City. -
Do I need to know the other ASCs prior to applying?
One of the most praised components of the ASC experience is that its members have the opportunity to reconnect with old Prep friends and make new ones. As a result of community living, ASC members spend meaningful time together and often develop friendships regardless of how well they knew each other as students.
For more information, contact Mr. Daniel Ranalli '00.
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