Emma Chee

Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston

Cristo Rey Jesuit, a Catholic high school, combines personal responsibility, academic rigor, and a corporate work-study program to empower students of all faiths from economically challenged families to reach their full potential. Cristo Rey Jesuit is Houston's Future at Work! Cristo Rey Jesuit opened its doors in August of 2009 with a freshman class of over 80 young men and women. Sponsored by the New Orleans Province Jesuits and part of the Cristo Rey Network of schools, Cristo Rey Jesuit offers a rigorous college prep education available exclusively to students from low-income families in Houston. A unique Corporate Work-Study Program (CWSP) places students in corporate offices and non-profits across the city where they earn up to 65% of the cost of their education. The CWSP is an integral part of the students' educational experience. It provides unique learning opportunities for the students by engaging them in entry-level office positions in banking, law, medicine, finance and many other professional fields. Students work at a partnering corporation one full day per week, without missing any instructional time. The income they earni is paid directly to the school to offset the cost of tuition. A longer school day and school year allow for this additional learning opportunity. A three week long training workshop is required before the students begin their employment. In June 2013, the school will have its first graduating class and all will be accepted into college!