Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) is proud to announce that 142 young men have graduated from Saint Gabriel's System (SGS) with a diploma and career technical education certificate. This year's class marks the highest number of graduates since CSS Youth Services began tracking graduates in 1985.

This year's record number of graduates, up from only 57 in 2007, can be attributed to the tracking and recording of students released from Saint Gabriel's Hall residential program and to the investments made in a night school, giving students more options to further their education. SGH's own tracking data showed that the young men with diplomas and certifications were more likely to continue their education elsewhere, gain employment and avoid immediate incarceration.

"Our research has shown us that youths in possession of a diploma and a career technical education (CTE) certificate were much less likely to be rearrested," said Joe Lavoritano, Executive Director of St. Gabriel's System. "We used this data and placed an emphasis on obtaining that diploma and certification. Since we made this a priority, the results have been outstanding."

Partnering with Pennsylvania Academic and Career Technical Training Alliance (PACTT), Saint Gabriel's Hall has developed a quality academic curriculum aligned with state standards and fully integrated with career technical training. The combination of academics and vocational training has helped students become more employable.

###

Editor's Note: The St. Gabriel's System is a multi-service agency of the Archdiocese under CSS Youth Services that provides residential and community-based services for court adjudicated delinquent youth between the ages of 10 and 19 years old. For more information on these services, please visit http://www.st-gabes.org/.

Contact
Annie Korp
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747