CTEP at Guadalupe Alternative Programs (GAP) High School

GAP's mission is to serve communities challenged by transition and poverty through education and enrichment opportunities, social and emotional support, and training that leads to employment. The program for which we have interest in the services of a CTEP member is our ABE program. All are low-income, English Language Learners, ages 18-24, underemployed and have low technology skills. 90% of current student population are Karen refugees. GAP was founded in 1967 by Sr. Giovanni Gourhan, a School Sister of Notre Dame affiliated with Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. By the mid 1980s, GAP had an established alternative school, grades 9-12, contracted with the St. Paul Public Schools to serve youth meeting the state definition of being "at-risk." By the mid-1990s, GAP expanded to include on-site mental health and social services, extended day and extended year programming, an ABE program, and a YouthBuild/AmeriCorp program providing training towards industry recognized certificates in Information Technology (to bridge the digital divide) and Construction. In the last five years, GAP has increased career pathways to include Certified Nursing Assistant and automotive. Currently, GAP's school program enrolls 250+ students yearly in grades 9-12+.

The AmeriCorps Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) bridges the "digital divide" for new Immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Join AmeriCorps CTEP and help make the information age accessible to all. CTEP is a project of Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN).