For recent Jesuit graduates navigating the space between college and what comes next, the Alumni Service Corps offers a meaningful and flexible bridge. Whether alumni are taking a gap year, waiting on graduate school decisions, discerning a long-term career path, or simply looking for a purposeful way to give back, the ASC program provides a full academic year immersed in service, mentorship, community, and the spiritual life that defines Jesuit. As applications open for the 2026–2027 program, alumni from the Classes of 2021 and 2022 are invited to consider returning to Carrollton & Banks not as students, but as young professionals growing in responsibility, confidence, and discernment.

The Alumni Service Corps is not solely for those who already envision a future in education. Instead, it is designed for graduates open to trying something new—whether that means exploring teaching for the first time, gaining professional experience in a supportive environment, or using the year as a meaningful “in-between” step before entering graduate school or another field. For current ASC members, the transition back to campus has been both familiar and eye-opening. Each arrived with a different academic background, career interest, and level of certainty about the future, yet all have found the year unexpectedly formative—offering clarity, direction, and a renewed sense of purpose as they move toward their next chapter.

Alec Scheffler ’20

For Scheffler, the ASC role brought him full circle. A former student of ASC teachers himself, he always kept the program in the back of his mind while earning a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in applied statistics. “When I was finishing up at college, I felt called to apply… I was hoping to return to New Orleans after graduation.” Teaching geometry and assisting with Jesuit’s extensive service program allowed him to blend his academic strengths with a deep love for Jesuit’s mission.

Scheffler was surprised by the unseen workload behind good teaching. “There is much that the students do not see of what goes into each lesson, quiz, test, etc.” But with guidance from his mentor Leslie Merritt and department chair Yvonne Leger, he learned to prepare with greater efficiency and confidence. Living in community with the other ASC members, he said, was one of the unexpected joys of the year—“the proximity to Jesuit and St. Anthony of Padua church… is especially convenient.”

Spiritually, the ASC year had profound impact on Scheffler. Returning to Kairos and traveling to Belize as a chaperone for a Jesuit service immersion trip reminded him of the foundation of faith laid in his own high school years. Painting a local Catholic school, sharing nightly reflections with students, and engaging deeply in the mission of service reinforced his belief in Jesuit’s calling. “Regardless of what I end up doing, the program has been incredibly beneficial for my faith life.”

Carter Morris ’21

Morris, who teaches two Environmental Science classes, felt immediately that ASC provided a real introduction to the life of a teacher. “We are fully responsible for the classes we have—lesson planning, grading, creating assessments. I feel as though we get the full experience of being a teacher without being thrown into the fire of too many classes our first year.” Though Morris plans to pursue dental school, he describes ASC as “a very nice gap year”—one filled with rewarding work and opportunities to reconnect with student life. Moderating the Fishing Club, captaining boats for the Bass Fishing Team, coaching improv, and helping build sets for the Philelectic Society gave him a chance to rediscover Jesuit from a different angle. “Captaining students during fishing tournaments has been more fun than I could have expected,” he reflects, marking it as his standout memory of the year.

Support and mentorship were crucial for Morris as he acclimated to teaching. He credits Environmental Science teacher Karen Harper with guiding him through the complexities of classroom planning, assessment design, and understanding how students interpret questions. “Her experience has been enlightening and has saved me from many headaches throughout the year.”

Si Holmes ’21

Holmes described the ASC experience as “unique and surprisingly fulfilling,” offering him time to reflect on his future—something he didn’t expect. “I was split between two career paths and this great opportunity helped me figure out what I wanted to do.” He also found meaningful connection through retreats, especially Kairos, where he experienced the impact teachers can have when they share their own struggles with students. Working with the Chess Club, golf team, and on daily tech support calls, Holmes found satisfaction in being a steady presence for students. “Watching students slowly understand a math problem or coding solution is a great feeling,” he added.

For Holmes, the year took a different shape. With a degree in computer science, Holmes stepped into the ASC role within Jesuit’s IT Department, tackling tech issues during the school day and tutoring students in math and Python coding. Though he doesn’t teach traditional classes, he occasionally substitutes and has enjoyed these moments in front of a classroom. “I really enjoyed interacting with the kids and helping them understand how to solve certain math equations or helping out with their new Python coding homework,” he said.

Hunter Hoffman ’21

Hoffmann, a Jesuit alumnus with a degree in economics, didn’t hesitate when he learned about the program. “I love Jesuit. My time here was great, and I met my best friends here,” he said. “I’ve also always been interested in becoming a teacher.” Now back on campus teaching, assisting with Youth and Government, and coaching golf, Hoffmann has found joy in returning to the community that helped shape him. “Getting to be back on campus,” he shared, “and seeing the work it takes to plan and inspire students,” has been the most rewarding part of the experience. Viewing the school through a new lens has given him a deeper appreciation for his former teachers and a growing understanding of daily classroom life, from routines to classroom management, as he builds a strong foundation for his future in education.

Like many first-time educators, Hoffmann began the semester with much to learn, but he embraced each day as an opportunity for growth. With the support of experienced faculty mentors and hands-on classroom experience, he steadily developed confidence in managing lessons, engaging students, and finding his voice as an educator. By the end of the semester, what once felt unfamiliar now feels energizing, and he looks ahead to the next term eager and confident as he prepares to take on greater responsibility in the classroom.

The ASC program has affirmed Hoffmann’s interest in teaching and strengthened his excitement for the opportunities ahead. He credits the guidance and encouragement of the faculty—especially Robin Rhodes and ASC coordinator Scott Delatte ’06—with helping him grow in confidence and optimism as he continues his journey in education.

Meaningful Call

Despite their different paths, majors, and responsibilities, each ASC member speaks of the program with similar gratitude: gratitude for mentorship, for community, for the chance to give back, and for the unexpected clarity the year provides. Some discovered a passion for teaching. Some discovered they were meant for a different field. But all four describe the year as meaningful—rooted in Jesuit’s mission of forming “men for others.”

As Jesuit opens applications for the 2026–2027 Alumni Service Corps, the school invites young alumni to consider whether this might be the right time to return to the blue and white world that shaped them. For those discerning their next step, the ASC year offers purpose, community, and the chance to inspire—in the same halls where they were once inspired themselves.

Interested in applying to ASC for 2026-2027? Applications are now being accepted for the 2026–2027 academic year. Eligibility is limited to alumni from the Classes of 2021 and 2022. For more information, please contact the ASC program director, Scott Delatte ’06 at delatte@jesuitnola.org.