Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with relevant work study experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
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. To learn more please watch the following video:
Students work in entry-level jobs at law firms, healthcare, banks, consulting, and other professional institutions. Typical job duties include filing, photocopying, data entry services, customer service, and IT tasks. Students are assigned to their job sites by the CWS staff, with consideration to students’ interests and skills, and the requirements of the job partner.
The Work Study Program combines two common business concepts—employee leasing and job sharing—to provide a solution that is a win-win for students and partners.
The CWS office is a separately incorporated entity that acts as a temporary employment agency. For a competitive annual fee, job partners receive one full-time Corporate Work-Study Team for a ten-month contract period.
Each Corporate Work Study Team consists of four students, who together perform the work of one full-time, entry-level employee. Since students are employees of the CWS, we handle all job-related paperwork, as well as taxes, benefits, and other expenditures. Cristo Rey RT is also responsible for the students’ transportation to and from work.
Four students share one job, and each has an assigned day on which they work (Monday – Thursday). On Fridays, students rotate, so every four weeks, a student will work two days a week. Each student works a total of five days per month.
Workdays are Monday through Friday, during standard business hours (usually 8:30-9:00 am to 3:00-3:55 pm)
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.
“Allison helped me prep for a move-in. Without hesitation, she was my second set of ears for my modifications meeting. Allison wrote down all the important items. After reviewing them, her notes matched mine. Allison has an eye and ear for detail.”
The Forest At Duke
“Sthaly follows directions well, can be trusted to work independently, and asks thoughtful questions when clarification is needed. His communication is strong, his attitude remains positive, and he continually looks for additional ways to contribute. His values and work ethic are evident in everything he does, and I have no doubt they will take him far.”
Martin Marietta
“Erica is simply amazing. She is very detail-oriented and goes above and beyond what I ask for, but at the same time, adding details and organization that make the project and document better. Her communication is clear and concise.”
Carol Woods Retirement
Watch This Video to Learn More About Our Partners:
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.
is my business or nonprofit a good fit?
Any business or organization needing entry-level employees can become a corporate partner with Cristo Rey Research Triangle School. Partners range from law firms and hospitals to banks and construction companies.
what are the costs for participation?
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.
Do companies receive any support or training?
Questions?
Contact Casey LoFrese
Vice President, Corporate Work Study
Phone: (919) 946-8683
casey.lofrese@cristoreyrt.org
Join the Cristo Rey Community
Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School: (919) 897-5680
334 Blackwell Street, Suite G-100, Durham, NC 27701-2394 US