Questions? Contact Casey LoFrese
Vice President, Corporate Work Study
Phone: (919) 946-8683
casey.lofrese@cristoreyrt.org
By partnering with Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School, you become a catalyst in empowering the next generation of business leaders in the Research Triangle.
The Corporate Work Study Program operates like a temporary employment agency & employs our students 5 full days a month in an entry-level, professional job all 4 years of high school.
At Cristo Rey RT, we understand the challenges faced by students from families with limited financial opportunities in accessing quality education and professional opportunities. We believe in providing equal opportunities for success, regardless of economic circumstances, and aim to bridge the gap through real-world work experience.
Our Corporate Work Study Program operates as a temporary employment agency, giving students the chance to earn a majority of their education costs while gaining valuable work experience in corporate offices throughout the Triangle area.
- Reliable, Successful Workers – 95% “meet or exceed expectations” on performance evaluations completed by supervisors.
- Diverse Talent for the Future Workplace – Help create a pipeline of skilled, diverse workers for corporate America.
- Give Back – What better way to give back to the community than mentoring and cultivating tomorrow’s workforce?
- Financial Aid – All CWS earnings are applied towards student tuition, covering most of the cost of students’ education.
- Real Work Experience – Students work real jobs in law, finance, healthcare, technology, and many other professional offices.
- New Horizons – Cristo Rey students learn about future career possibilities and apply classroom lessons to their workplace experience, making clear the relevance of their schoolwork. Successful business leaders are role models for students, elevating self-esteem and confidence, inspiring new goals, and raising future ambitions.
“Emmanuel is an all-star. He has a great attitude toward learning and is always eager to take on new challenges. Emmanuel has impressed many staff members with his business acumen and his ability to solve complex problems. We all joke that in 15 years, we’ll all be working for him. He is a true asset to our office, and I am confident that he will make a positive impact in whatever he chooses to do in the future.”
Supervisor Cindy Huntsinger
EY – Building A Better Working World
Watch This Video to Learn More:
Meet Our Valued Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
who can become a partner?
A corporate partner is a local business or organization that provides work-study jobs to students as part of the Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program.
You should consider becoming a corporate partner if your company:
- Has an annual revenue of at least $100,000.
- Is a for-profit business or organization.
- Has at least one full-time employee.
what are the costs for participation?
This fee supports Cristo Rey’s programs, including teacher salaries and student supplies. The Cristo Rey Research Triangle Corporate Work Study Program acts as an employee leasing agent, managing payroll, compliance, and all employee matters for student workers, in full compliance with Department of Labor regulations.
is my business or nonprofit a good fit?
Any business or organization needing entry-level employees can become a corporate partner with Cristo Rey Network Schools. Partners range from law firms and hospitals to banks and construction companies.
how long is the hiring commitment?
The time commitment for being a corporate partner with Cristo Rey Network Schools is one day a week during the school year. Each student works one day a week at the partner organization, allowing for flexibility and minimal disruption to the organization’s workflow.
Do companies receive any support or training?
• Backup phone duty for main reception
• Maintain schedule for appointment rooms; prepare rooms for meetings
• Manage supplies inventory
• Data entry of purchase orders
• Assist with processing of accounts payable – verify vendor invoices + attach checks.
• Assist in processing of expense reports
• Allocate corporate expenses, such as phone bills, across departments
• Check incoming invoices; enter data into a spreadsheet and circulate for approval
• Equipment allocation, reallocation, and inventory
• Order processing for new equipment
• Helpdesk triage; installing new programs
• Prepare presentation materials
• Assist with client events (name tags, marketing folders)
• Assist in preparations for recruiting at college job fairs
• Process interview and new hire paperwork
• Distribute and track evaluation forms
• Process new employee security passes and documents
Partner Highlight: Foundry Commercial
“I was impressed by their professionalism,” said Senior Vice President Patrick Blackley, who worked closely with the students on the brokerage side. “Their contributions brought fresh energy to our team.”
And Deanna agreed. “I watched them transform from quiet newcomers into confident contributors,” she said. “They unknowingly challenged me to stop and think of things from their perspective.”
Join the Cristo Rey Community
Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School: (919) 897-5680
334 Blackwell Street, Suite 100, Durham, NC 27701-2394 US