CWS Partners
The School That works – Durham, nc
College Ready. Career Prepared. 100% College Acceptance.
Benefits to Partnership
For Partners
- Mentor and develop a skilled, committed future workforce
- Accomplish work with eager and reliable students
- Build civic engagement and camaraderie among employees
- Launch your diverse and local talent pipeline of tomorrow
For Students
- Earn money towards their education
- Gain valuable professional experience and soft skills
- Make connections with corporate workplaces
- Get exposure to a variety of different careers
Become An Angel Sponsor
Cristo Rey Angel Sponsors (or Angel Investors) cover the costs for students to work at local nonprofits (NPOs) that would otherwise lack the budget to hire student associates.
By covering the Corporate Work Study (CWS) fee, sponsors ensure students gain real-world experience while nonprofits receive valuable staffing support.
Contact us to learn more about becoming an Angel Sponsor Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School: kim.glenn@cristoreyrt.org
Watch This Video to Learn More:
The Cristo Rey Research Triangle Corporate Work Study Program operates like a temporary employment agency.
We employ our students 5 full days a month in an entry-level, professional job all 4 years of high school.
We believe in providing equal opportunities for success, regardless of economic circumstances, and aim to bridge the gap through real-world work experience.
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
How does the CWS Program work?
The students are employees of the program, not the corporate partner. The Corporate Word Study Program handles all payroll, W-4, I-9 compliance, Workers’ Compensation, FICA, FUTA and other employee concerns for the students. The Cristo Rey Dallas Corporate Work Study Program complies with all Department of Labor regulations.
Will the students receive training before they begin working in our office?
Yes, our freshman and transfer students attend a two-week summer training program where they are introduced to:
- Communication and relationship building
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Customer service skills
- Standard office equipment operation
- Office etiquette
- Dressing for success
- Conveying a positive first impression in the workplace
- Phone skills
- Filing and document handling
- Confidentiality and ethics in the workplace
- Workplace safety
- Team building
Do students choose where they work?
After considering students’ skill levels and interests and the skill sets needed by our sponsors, the Corporate Work Study Program staff will determine where students are placed.
As a partnering business, what responsibilities do we have?
Your three biggest responsibilities are to:
- Provide a positive work environment for the students.
- Provide a supervisor who believes in the program and the success of Cristo Rey RT students.
- Provide meaningful work for the students and explain to them the importance of their role.
If I have a problem with a student, do I deal with the student directly?
If there is ever an issue with a student in the workplace, you may provide feedback to the student directly or you may contact your Account Manager or the Corporate Work Study Program Office. Together we will overcome any challenges.
Why should a business participate in the program?
There are many reasons to participate:
- Add productive, entry-level employees.
- Cost-effective services for your business.
- Free up lower-level employees for more value-added work.
- Contribute to your workforce diversity.
- Students do not qualify as a headcount.
- Benefit your local community with immediate payoff.
- Cristo Rey Dallas Corporate Work Study Program handles the administrative expenses.
- Develop a culture of community involvement among your employees.
Are there guarantees to ensure the success of the students and program?
Each student receives one academic credit for the work study program. Each student is also evaluated on his or her performance at least twice during the school year. Students also have an opportunity to evaluate their workplace. Aside from the workshops mentioned above, additional workshops are conducted throughout the year to assist students in their learning process.
Is there a dress code?
Cristo Rey students are held to strict standards. All students are required to wear formal business attire both at school and work. Students must adhere to their dress code at all times.
How do the students arrive at work?
As part of the CWSP program, students are transported to and from work every day using a Cristo Rey RT Shuttle.
Thank You Cristo Rey RT Partners
Join the Cristo Rey Community
At Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School, we offer a unique blend of rigorous academics and professional work experience. Whether you’re a prospective student or a corporate partner, your journey with us begins here.
Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School: (919) 897-5680
334 Blackwell Street, Suite 100, Durham, NC 27701-2394 US