CWS Potential 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

Watch This Video to Hear From Our Partners

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.

Watch This Video to Learn More:

Become An Angel Sponsor

If you are unable to host a team of students consider becoming an angel sponsor. Cristo Rey Angel Sponsors cover the costs for students to work at local non-profits (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 Kim Glenn to learn more about becoming an Angel Sponsor: kim.glenn@cristoreyrt.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the CWS Program work?
Through the innovative Corporate Work-Study Program (CWS), Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School students work five full days a month at top businesses across the Research Triangle. The earnings pay for a large percentage of each student’s tuition cost, providing them access to a rigorous, quality college preparatory education that otherwise would be too expensive. Cristo Rey students gain valuable real-world job skills, contacts, and experience through their Work-Study job assignments, and go on to college in record numbers, in large part because of their early exposure to the working world.
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 RT Corporate Work Study Program handles the administrative expenses.
  • Develop a culture of community involvement among your employees.
what are the costs for participation?
The average cost of becoming a corporate partner for a full team is $36K per year.

This fee supports Cristo Rey’s programs, including teacher salaries and student supplies. 

how long is the hiring commitment?

The time commitment for being a corporate partner with Cristo Rey Research Triangle High  School is one day a week during the school year. Each student works 5 days a month at the partner organization, allowing for flexibility and minimal disruption to the organization’s workflow. 

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 Products
  • Customer service skills
  • Standard office equipment operation 
  • Dressing for success: Dress code enforced
  • Office Etiquette
  • Phone skills
  • Filing and document handling
  • Confidentiality and ethics in the workplace
  • Workplace safety
  • Team building
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, what should I do?
If there is ever an issue with a student in the workplace, you may provide feedback to the student directly and contact your Relationship Manager. Together we will overcome any challenges.

Questions?

Contact Casey LoFrese

Vice President, Corporate Work Study

Phone: (919) 946-8683

casey.lofrese@cristoreyrt.org

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 G-100, Durham, NC 27701-2394 US