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. We are currently in our 29th year of the Prep's Alumni Service Corps.

The application is now available for 2023-2024 Alumni Service Corps.

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.

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.

Now accepting applications for 2023-2024 Alumni Service Corps. Deadline to apply is January 30.

ASC application

Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2018 who have been chosen as Alumni Service Corps members for the 2022-23 academic year.

James Brenner

James attended Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill and has completed his degree at Michigan State University with a major in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Spanish. He will be working in the Admissions Office as well as assisting in Mission & Ministry and Modern Language.
jbrenner@sjprep.org

Riley Burns
A Strategic Communication major at St. Bonaventure University, Riley grew up in Havertown and attended Waldron Mercy Academy. He interned in the Prep's Admissions Office in the summer of 2021. He returns to Admissions and will assist the English Department and Mission & Ministry.
rburns@sjprep.org

Stephen Dierkes

A native of Drexel Hill, Stephen was home-schooled, attended The College of the Holy Cross with a major in Classics. He will work in the Prep Advantage Program, share his talents assisting liturgies with vocals and piano and the Classics Department. Stephen's younger brother, Thomas, is a member of the Class of 2025.
sdierkes@sjprep.org

Brendan Farrell

Brendan attended St. Bernadette School in Drexel Hill and obtained a degree from Saint Joseph's University with majors in Media Studies and Communications. Brendan will work in Athletics, Prep Advantage and Institutional Advancement.

bfarrell@sjprep.org