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History
        Dugan Alternative High School, a Chicago Public High School, was inspired by a group of teenagers who began gathering monthly in the fall of 1996 for peer support and reflection, guided by professional adults.  Under the direction of Fr. Bruce Wellems, CMF, then Associate Pastor at Holy Cross/IHM Parish in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, the group received it’s orientation from Sister Dugan, an experienced professor from the Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University.  The group dedicated itself to making positive life choices.  Even though many members were high school dropouts, they expressed the need for reading and education.
      In August, 1997, Sister Dugan passed away.  However, the group continued to meet, now weekly.  Mr. Greg Michie, a Seward Communication Arts Academy teacher; and Mr. Sergio Grajeda, MSW, from Scholarship and Guidance Association, joined the sessions to accompany the youth.
      An idea for an alternative school setting was first introduced and received instant support in February, 1998.  A final proposal for the school was submitted to Paul Vallas, CEO of the Chicago Public Schools at the end of March, 1998.
      The proposal included a holistic approach to teaching young people; involving community leaders from neighborhood families, public schools, local parks, churches, and businesses.  Teachers, professional Counselors, probation officers and the parish staff work together to support the students.  Support involves relating to and knowing their families, neighborhood, and community environments.  The proposal also supported intensive sessions which involve the parents of each student where possible. The proposal for the school was approved by the Chicago Board of Education in May, 1998.
     In 2001, a second alternative campus opened its doors at Cesar Chavez M.A.C. Second Chance Alternative High served students who could not attend Dugan, but desired the same opportunities to return to school in a small, supportive setting.  Second Chance moved to it's newly renovated building on 51st and Elizabeth Street in 2004.
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      In July of 2006, Dugan and Second Chance Alternative High Schools combined to form the Peace and Education Alternative High School Program. The Dugan Campus and Second Chance Campus remain separate from each other, but they share an identical mission and vision:  to provide a non-traditional educational opportunity for young men and women, ages 16-21, who have previously dropped out of high school, but desire to achieve a high school diploma and a new chance to fully participate in the economic and social spheres of life through guidance and support.
     In August of 2008, the Dugan students and staff moved to their new building located at 49th and Paulina to form the new Sinclair Campus.  The Dugan Campus remained open for the 2008-2009 school year to pilot a program for 15-16 year old out-of-school youth, but will be closing its doors for the 2009-2010 school year. 
   Please stay tuned for the changes occurring in our program and at our original site at 45th and Wood.  The old Dugan Campus will be opening its doors soon as the Irene Dugan Outreach Center as yet another effort to provide counseling, educational, employment, and service opportunities to our local youth.