Vocational Training at the SGA

School of Graphic Arts
Design and Print Center

600 College Street · Oxford, NC. 27565 · (919) 603-3910

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Vocational Training

Vocational Education at the School of Graphic Arts

The Masonic Home for Children was a pioneer in formal vocational education in the state of North Carolina. Founded in 1875, The School of Graphic Arts was among the first of the vocational programs offered at the Home. The printed word was the mass communication of choice to promote the Masonic Home when it was founded as the Oxford Orphan Asylum in 1873. Literature from brochures to newspapers went out from Oxford to points all across the state, printed by students who were residents of the orphanage.

By 1910, the School was housed in its own building. In the 1920s, the School of Printing, as it was known, utilized the most advanced printing plant in the region to prepare students for employment in the printing trade. Through the years, hundreds of former students have found their place of service in the printing industry.

The tradition of training children at the School of Graphic Arts on state-of-the-art equipment continues today, 130 years after its founding. High school students participate in vocational training upon their return home from attending public school. During the summer the students receive additional training.

The School of Graphic Arts is also an important contributor to the educational focus of The Preparation for Adult Living or PAL Program which has been implemented at the Masonic Home for Children. This program is designed for young adults who need assistance in making the transition from high school to independent living.

Masonic Home for Children | Grand Lodge | Oxford Orphanage Alumni Association
Granville County Chamber of Commerce
The School of Graphic Arts at The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford
is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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School of Graphic Arts @ 2006