Jesuit Mission

Alumni Service Corps

The Alumni Service Corps (ASC) at St. Joseph's Prep was established in 1994 for graduates who have recently graduated from college and wish to give back to the Prep.

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 31st 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.

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) was designed specifically for alumni who, upon finishing their time as ASCs, continue to discern a vocation in teaching. ETFs teach 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.

Click here to apply to be an ASC for the 2026-2027 school year.

Contact Info

Mr. Daniel Ranalli '00
dranalli@sjprep.org

Alumni Service Corps FAQ

List of 7 items.

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.
How do I apply?

If you are so moved to apply to serve in the 2025-26 Alumni Service Corps, please click here to submit your application.