Guadalupe Alternative Programs-Programs

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education and enrichment
alternative senior high school with extended-day/year opportunities
adult and bilingual education program
mental health and student support services
employment and training
Youthbuild
y.a.l.e.
mentoring

education and enrichment
alternative senior high school and extended-day/year opportunities

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.

adult and bilingual education program -more program details

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.

mental health and student support services

provides comprehensive counseling and support services for all of GAP'S students. A Mental Health in Schools project also provides these services for students attending charter schools and area learning centers in St. Paul. These services are designed to remove barriers to school success and to help students reach their full potential. GAP'S Youth and Family Services is led by a culturally competent staff of degreed and licensed mental health professionals and practitioners as well as experienced youth-work specialists.

A Cultural and Community Supports project provides social and cultural experiences for GAP students and their families as well as for the wider community. Activities such as an annual pow-wow, use of sweat lodge and other ceremonies, observance of Dias de los Muertos and celebration of Cinco de Mayo are a few of the connections made to culture and community.

employment and training

GAP students/trainees are provided a continuum of developmentally appropriate activities focused on developing job and career awareness and readiness. Ninth and tenth grade students take career and job interest assessments and have opportunities to job shadow. 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 and information technology.

youthbuild: As a national partner affiliate of YouthBuild USA and a member of the Minnesota YouthBuild Coalition, GAP's YouthBuild program provides young people ages 17-24 with opportunities to develop occupational skills in the areas of carpentry/construction and information technology. Additionally, YouthBuild/AmeriCorp Education Awards provide selected participants with resources to assist in paying for post-secondary education/training.

y.a.l.e. (young adults learning and earning program)

The Y.A.L.E program is an intensive training program designed to help young adults ages 19-24 obtain a High School diploma or GED, industry recognized certificates and job placement support involving 4 phases:

Phase  1: Basic Skills Education & Training— resulting in a  high school diploma or GED, 
National Center for Construction Education and  Research (NCCER) training, Life Skills, 
Job Readiness training and WorkKeys  assessment which may result in a Career Readiness Certification

Phase  2: Hands on training— in Green Construction Practice,  
Carpentry and C-Tech Low Voltage Installer

Phase  3: Job Search and Placement— Meet one-on-one with Counselor,  
group meetings with a Career Pathways Developer and support for job interviews  and placement

Phase  4: Job Keeping Support— Ongoing monthly job keeping support  for 6-months 
following job placement

Participants may also receive support services including daily breakfast/lunch, mental health counseling, literacy, and special education.

In addition, some participants who complete several hours of service and training will earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award toward post-secondary education.

To be considered for Y.A.L.E. you MUST:

Be 19-24 years of age and have NOT graduated from high school
Live in St. Paul or Minneapolis, MN
Have completed a Y.A.L.E. assessment
Have Birth Certificate, Social Security ID, and Permanent Resident Card

Offenders welcome (with exception of sexual offenses)

Call 651-222-0757 to set-up an interview. Applicants will be accepted twice a year.

mEntoring: The YouthBuild Mentoring Program at Guadalupe Alternative Programs (GAP) helps to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least one year. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals. Mentor Application