The Nativity Phenomenon ebook is now available!

"The Nativity Phenomenon: A Model that Works is the story of an educational adventure that opens pathways to a productive future and provides educational justice for students from underserved, economically challenged families. Readers can dive into the program's history and, more importantly, the stories of Nativity graduates, their teachers, and volunteers.

Back in December 2022, we sent out an email blast informing our members and subscribers of an upcoming book, The Nativity Phenomenon by Fr. Jack Podsiadlo, S.J. Below is the message he shared when the book was in pre-production:

After spending more than 30 years as a teacher, principal, and executive director at Nativity Mission Center and the founder of the Nativity Network of Schools, I want to share the stories of Nativity students and their teachers. I want to share the philosophy and best practices that have prepared thousands of Nativity graduates for productive lives and careers. I want to preserve these stories as my memories are vivid.

The lessons learned can transform urban education and lead to educational justice. You'll meet young people who dreamed of breaking the cycle of poverty through education by becoming their best, authentic selves."

The physical books will be available by the end of July. If you're interested in reading it now, the e-book version is available through Amazon as a Kindle book. It is currently listed for $0.99 until the end of July, after which it will cost $4.99!

Get Recharged and Inspired This Summer with Ready to Lead 2023!

This year we are offering a hybrid leadership program with asynchronous training, followed by four live collaborative sessions. All levels are welcome. Let’s learn from each other and get ready to lead with purpose and vision in the upcoming school year!

This program is free to member schools. Multiple registrants from your school can participate. Register below.

Special Guests Attend San Miguel Academy’s 13th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Photo Credit: san Miguel Program

The San Miguel Academy Class of 2023 with featured guests Collin Johnson of the NY Giants and Arshay Cooper of the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund.

On Thursday, June 1st, 15 students graduated from San Miguel Academy in the school’s 13th annual commencement ceremony.  Board members, family members, and many special friends of San Miguel Academy joined together to celebrate the Class of 2023. It was the final all-boys class in the history of San Miguel Academy, which began admitting girls in 2020.

The valedictory speech was given by Gustavo Laureano, who was also awarded the Grit and Grace award, one of the School’s two highest awards, for leading by example and being a role model to others. Salutatorian Victory James was awarded the San Miguel Student Creed award: “When faced with a mountain, I will not quit. I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass-through, tunnel underneath, or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine, with God’s help!”

Featured guests Arshay Cooper, of the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, and Collin Johnson, #15 Wide Receiver for the NY Giants, addressed the graduates and awarded medals to each graduate.

The mission of San Miguel Academy and its umbrella organization, San Miguel Program, is to break the cycle of poverty through education. San Miguel Program makes a 12-year commitment to each student beginning in 5th grade and seeing them through to the job market. The generous support of many individual donors, foundations, and organizations enables San Miguel Program to serve its middle school students as well as its graduates who continue to strive for academic and personal success. 

Click here to learn more about San Miguel Academy.