Frequently Asked Questions

Are some majors preferred to others?

Is there an age limit for ASC?

When does the ASC year begin and end?

What if I have not had Education classes?

Are all ASC Volunteers practicing Catholics?

Can I serve in ASC if I am married?

Can I serve in ASC if I am in a serious relationship?

I have a relative who is getting married, celebrating a major anniversary, etc. Will I be allowed to attend this event?

Does ASC provide health insurance?

Are the ASC residences furnished?

I thought my high school had an ASC program, but I don’t see it on your website. Why not?

Are ASC Volunteers hired by their schools after the year of service?

Is ASC for me?
Are you a graduate of a Jesuit high school or a Jesuit university? Then, YES! You are eligible to apply. ASC seeks individuals with a desire to give back in gratitude for their Jesuit education. ASC welcomes volunteers who embody the highest ideals of Jesuit education for students at Jesuit schools today. Individuals who continue to grow in the aspirations of The Profile of the Graduate at Graduation are encouraged to apply today!

Are some majors preferred to others?
All majors are welcome! The needs of each school differ – opportunities exist across a variety of academic departments and change every year. ASC is committed to placing candidates in positions where they can be most successful. ASC will review a candidate’s overall academic performance in high school and college, as well as their accomplishments and achievements in extra-curriculars, clubs, or sports.

Is there an age limit for ASC?
Yes. Most ASC volunteers join right out of college or shortly thereafter. We do not accept candidates who are older than 27 years of age by July 31 of the current year of service.

Will I need my car?
No. A community vehicle is provided for each ASC community to use during the service year. Sharing a car can be challenging, but it can also be one of the most significant ways that ASC Volunteers intentionally live in community. ASC Volunteers may request to use their own vehicle during their service year, but such is not preferred. Each school covers ASC Volunteers in their insurance policy for the ASC community vehicle. If you are permitted to bring your own vehicle, you are expected to provide your own auto insurance. The gas card provided by the school may ONLY be used to fuel the ASC community vehicle.

When does the ASC year begin and end?
The year formally begins with Summer Orientation (as early as July 1st online instruction). Communication between incoming ASC Volunteers and their schools begins upon submission of the application, continues throughout Summer Orientation, and concludes at the end of the service year. Each service year ends shortly after the conclusion of the school year, upon completion of all responsibilities to the assigned school.

Can I choose where I serve?
Yes and no. The application asks you for your preferences of placement; however, the ASC Director will review your application and may offer you a position at the school with the greatest need which fits your skillset. The more flexible you are, the more likely you will be accepted for placement. Though many who apply desire to return to their former high school, ASC strives to place individuals according to the school needs first and foremost. Often, volunteers are grateful to experience a new school environment or enjoy the opportunity to live in a new city.

What if I have not had Education classes?
That’s okay! While ASC holds great esteem for the field of education and for educators who strive to make excellent teaching a reality, most ASC volunteers have not taken education classes, nor majored in education, and very few are certified teachers prior to applying. Do not be discouraged!

Are all ASC Volunteers practicing Catholics?
While ASC Volunteers do NOT have to be Catholic, they must have a desire to commit to the spiritual dimension of the year of service, including participation in weekly Mass and dinner with the Jesuits in their community. ASC volunteers should possess a desire to grow spiritually, an openness to learn and be challenged, and an appreciation for the Jesuits and lay colleagues who accompany them in this journey of faith and service.

Can I defer my student loans?
Typically, yes. Federally funded loans require you to defer your loans online directly with your loan servicing agency (Navient, USA Loans, etc.). Privately funded loans may require proof of your service year which will be provided to you in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding upon acceptance into the ASC program. In either situation, you will need to contact your lender directly for a definite answer to this question. ASC recommends you contact your lender as soon as possible if you are concerned about deferment.

Can I serve in ASC if I am married?
Unfortunately, no. However, congratulations on your marriage! ASC Volunteers should be able to immerse themselves into community life, which is not possible if their commitment lies elsewhere. If you are currently engaged or plan on becoming engaged during the service year, then ASC may not be for you.

Can I serve in ASC if I am in a serious relationship?
Some ASC volunteers do enter the service year in committed relationships. All ASC applicants are required to live in the ASC community residence during their service year. Therefore, ASC strongly recommends you discuss the possibility of being placed in another city during your service year with your significant other before accepting a position with ASC.

I have a relative who is getting married, celebrating a major anniversary, etc. Will I be allowed to attend this event?
ASC volunteers are treated as faculty in their schools. Under normal circumstances, major life events can be accommodated with advance notice and/or a request presented to your school’s administration.

Does ASC provide health insurance?
The schools provide their ASC volunteers with health insurance, typically the same plan which covers the rest of their faculty. Details of each school’s health insurance coverage can be discussed with the school’s business office upon the applicant’s acceptance into the ASC program.

Are the ASC residences furnished?
Yes! Furniture, kitchen appliances, and accoutrement are all provided, as well as television and internet access. Some schools may provide additional technology as needed, but are not obligated to provide laptops or computers for personal use. ASC volunteers should pack necessary items, but are strongly discouraged from renting moving vans or shipping excessive personal effects. ASC will provide a list of suggested items to bring for your service year prior to Summer Orientation.

What travel does ASC cover?
ASC will arrange and pay for the following travel needs:

Summer Orientation
One-way travel to move into ASC community
Travel to and from ASC retreats
Round-trip travel to home for Christmas break
One-way travel home following the end of the service year

If a school requests an in-person interview, then said school will provide for the applicant’s travel. Halloween, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc. are not holidays when travel is provided by ASC or any school. If you wish to return home on Thanksgiving (or any holiday other than Christmas), you are welcome to do so at your own expense with appropriate approval from your school’s administration.

I thought my high school had an ASC program, but I don’t see it on your website. Why not?
ASC was founded by the Jesuits of the Missouri Province (now Jesuits of the USA Central and Southern Province) in 1991. Shortly thereafter, other Jesuit high schools began similar programs with their own alumni returning for a year of service. ASC serves six UCS Province schools in Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis. ASC maintains close ties to the Jesuits, and embodies a strong Ignatian formation component.

Are ASC Volunteers hired by their schools after the year of service?
Oftentimes, yes! A large number of former ASC volunteers currently teach in our schools. However, many ASC Volunteers pursue other careers. ASC is a year of volunteer service and can sometimes, but is in no way guaranteed to, become a stepping stone to employment within Jesuit education. Applicants should not expect a future job offer as motivation when applying to ASC.

What happens after ASC?
Whatever you want! Grad school, other service programs, travel, career – the world is your oyster! Individuals from a broad spectrum of backgrounds volunteer with ASC. Therefore, ASC volunteers find success in a wide variety of careers and industries. While some volunteers become faculty members and administrators in Jesuit or other Catholic schools, many serve in public school districts across the country. But education is not the only avenue! ASC volunteers also go on to pursue careers in law, medicine, fine art, finance, religion, business, engineering, and so much more.

So what are you waiting for?

Join ASC Today!

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