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Eight graduates spent 12 recent Saturdays getting training and hands-on experience in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work by participating in Graduate Support’s new Building Trades course.

Led by Evin Jarrett, a seasoned building trades instructor and local educator, right here on campus, the course focused on safety, tools, and real-world skill-building as graduates learned what it takes to build something from the ground up. Classes were held in the former Royal Electric building. 

Beyond technical building skills, the course taught skills that are transferable to any workplace, including problem-solving and collaboration with others. It became clear that no one could build a framed wall alone — it takes a team. Darius (Class of 2024) shared:

“I learned the lesson that I should always be patient with my work. Diligence is always important, and you should always be up to learn from the mistakes you've made. It's how improvements start.”

Graduates get hands-on experience with power tools in the 12-week course

Graduate Support is rooted in a lifelong commitment to every child we serve, preparing, guiding, and connecting students with opportunities while supporting them every step of the way. Some of our graduates see college in their future; others are interested in learning a trade or starting a career after high school. Darius is undecided:

“I don't have a dream career set out right now but I do understand why people are interested in doing these types of trades.”

The course culminated in a final project that brought all three trades together: building and finishing a framed wall, complete with electrical and plumbing components. Darius explained:

"The electrical wasn't too complex but was exciting to work on. Constructing the walls, floors, and nailing it all together to see whose was best had me hooked the most.”

Through experiences like this, Graduate Support continues to open doors, spark confidence, and walk alongside our graduates — building futures in which each individual can thrive.

Where can a middle school student go in Philadelphia to “gain STEAM”? St. James School students now know the answer: TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek.  

Recently opened, the impressive facility is run by The TGR Foundation, which was founded by Tiger Woods and his parents, Earl and Tida. The foundation invited our 4th-8th grade students to visit and enjoy hands-on experiences that teach STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Lessons in food chemistry, rocketry, digital photography, entrepreneurship, foam-making, and more were delivered by dynamic educators whose obvious passion stems from the fact they are all makers themselves, of music, products, and brands. 

St. James Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Instruction Sarah Carroll asked 4th grader Jailani if she liked the TGR Lab. Jailani replied, “No, I didn't like it…. I LOVED IT.”

The facility was built on the grounds of the former Cobbs Creek Golf Course, one of America's earliest racially integrated public golf courses. TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek fulfills Tiger Woods’ vision “to create safe, inspiring spaces that empower students to pursue their passions through education.”

The TGR Lab director invited St. James students to return for community events and for after-school and weekend access to its creative and production spaces. Our students were pumped!

A recent Senior Hub gathering featured the lively topic, “Let's talk politics”

Move it with Melissa is our popular Saturday cardio fitness class

The Closet is the newest part of The Welcome Table and neighbors are stopping by to shop Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Shopping bookshop.org supports local, independent bookstores. Our choice is Uncle Bobbie's, a Black owned business in Germantown.

St. James School | 215-226-1276 | www.StJamesPhila.org