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UST Provides Work-Study Training for Cristo Rey Jesuit
8/26/2009
 A partnership between the University of St. Thomas and Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston, will enhance the school’s Corporate Work-Study Program, and help set 100 high school freshmen on the road to college.
Cristo Rey Jesuit, a private high school, welcomed it first class of freshmen on August 10. Students reported to school nearly one month early to get a head start on the work-study program, where students work one day a week at entry-level positions at corporations and non-profit organizations throughout Houston.
During this time, Cristo Rey Jesuit students participated in a four-week work-study orientation camp, with one week of training at University of St. Thomas. On the UST campus, the students learned computer skills for the workplace. In addition to learning practical skills, this program builds self esteem and helps students see the correlation between curriculum and careers. Students also visited Rice University and University of Houston during this month-long orientation.
UST President Dr. Robert Ivany welcomed the students, and Associate Director of Admissions Arthur Ortiz answered students’ questions about college and gave them a tour of campus.
 “Cristo Rey is creating a college-bound culture,” said Fr. T.J. Martinez, SJ, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit. “On the first day of school we talk about going to college. Our visit to UST helps make the college-bound culture a reality for students. The partnership works so well because both schools share the same values and beliefs.”
Cristo Rey Jesuit predominately serves economically disadvantaged families in uban communities. Cristo Rey is located near Hobby Airport in the southeast section of the city. In order to help these families finance a faith-based, academically rigorous college prep education, the school employs a work-study program as part of its curriculum. Cristo Rey uses an economic model: learning to work, and working to learn. The money earned through the students’ work study jobs enables them to fund up to 70 percent of their tuition. More than 30 companies expressed interest in participating in Cristo Rey Jesuit Corporate Work-Study Program by providing jobs for their students.
The college preparatory school is the 23rd school in a larger network of similar private schools across the nation, but the first to be opened in Houston. The network is known for adopting an innovative, successful model of secondary education. Last year, 100 percent of the students who graduated from one of these schools were accepted into a two- or four-year college.
University of St. Thomas, dedicated to educating leaders of faith and character, is a private institution committed to the liberal arts and to the religious, ethical and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education.
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