Guadalupe Alternative Programs

School with classroom settings

West side of St. Paul, MN

Adult Basic Education, High School, Youth Employment & Training, Youth & Family Services

Adult Basic Education, Certified Nursing Assistant, Computer Technology Certification, Construction Certification, Literacy, Language Arts, Math, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies,

Extended Day classes, Mentoring Program, Counseling Services,

2- Computer Labs. We teach Computer Technology certification.

YEs

Guadalupe Alternative Programs serves communities challenged by transition and poverty through education and enrichment opportunities, social and emotional support and training that leads to employment.

Relationship is the key to change. Cultural knowledge is powerful. Individuals have the ability to solve their own problems. Everyone can learn. The community comes first. G.A.P. strives to be purveyors of hope.

Sister M. Giovanni with the help of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) the Catholic Order of Sisters to which she belonged founded Guadalupe Alternative Programs in 1967, called Guadalupe Area Projects at that time. Concerned about the number of high school dropouts in the neighborhood, the sisters purchased a house to serve as a school for high school-aged young persons near Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on St. Paul's west side.

Three years later more than 50 young people were attending the sisters' alternative school and a nine-room building had been added to their house. In 1989 construction of a four-story school building was completed and GAP's enrollment doubled. Adult literacy classes and other programs were expanded. In 1995, a gymnasium, classrooms to accommodate a junior high school program, computer lab, industrial arts and daycare were added with enrollment peaking at 150 students in 2005. In 2003, another expansion was completed to increase GAP's educational capacity and create space for mental health services.

Today a talented and dedicated staff of over 30 professional culturally competent teachers, therapists, enrichment specialists and administrators positively influence the lives of hundreds of young people and adults living in the Twin Cities and carry on the mission of GAP's founder.

Adult Basic Education, High School, Youth Employment & Training, Youth & Family Services, GED Prep

GAP is an accredited, comprehensive diploma program emphasizing the acquisition of strong basic and academic skills as well as development of artistic, cultural and recreational strengths and interests. GAP offers at-risk adolescents a safe, structured environment in which to learn and grow. The staff to student ratios are significantly higher than in the main stream public schools which enables the staff to develop stronger and deeper personal relationships with GAP students. The students take six classes daily and participate in enrichment activities after school and during the summer months. Bus passes for transportation to and from school are provided as is a nutritious and delicious breakfast, lunch and snack.

BASIC ADULT ED

Is targeted for spanish-speaking youth and adults; however all language groups are welcome. Five levels of English as a Second Language and bilingual education in all economic areas are offered year-round. Social support services are offered as well as referral for citizenship and immigration services. The use of Technology resources help increase the employability of our students. Childcare is provided.

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT TRAININ

 students/trainees are provided activities focused on developing job and career awareness and readiness. Eleventh and twelfth grade students are provided intensive services designed to transition them to post-secondary education/training or full-time employment upon graduation. Young adults, ages 19-24 are provided intensive training program to help them prepare for their GED or High School Diploma and they will develop work experience and can earn industry recognized certification in both construction, information technology and as a Certified Nursing Assistant.