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Corporate Work Study Program

Overview

In addition to being an academically rigorous high school, Cristo Rey Brooklyn provides all students with a unique four-year, work study experience. Approved and regularly reviewed by the US Department of Labor, the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) is an innovative educational and financial model that enables students to financially access a private, college preparatory education  and literally earn their way through high school while simultaneously gaining invaluable work experience to better prepare them for college and the professional workforce. The program is separately incorporated, effectively functioning as an employment agency alongside Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School.

All CRB students attend instructional classes four days per week and work one full day per week in a entry-level positions at organizations representing dozens of leading businesses, law firms, higher education institutions and various civic, philanthropic and governmental entities across NYC and beyond. Each student works a specific day each week and academic classes are scheduled, including extended school days and summer academic options, to ensure that students never miss class. In the standard structure, five student workers (CWSP "team") equal one full-time equivalent position but there exist numerous staffing options available to our partners, ranging from employing just a couple of student workers to sponsoring multiple teams. 

 

Mindful on the evolving workplace environment, accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis, CRB offers current and prospective partners flexible student worker deployment options. Our young student workers, by virtue of their entry level status, flexibility, and eagerness to learn and contribute, can actually enhance efforts to return to a productive, if potentially altered, working environment. To address the needs of the modern workplace, we offer three core solutions, with hybrid alternatives available:

  1. On-Site Employment located at Company office

  2. Remote Work based at CRB school facility with CRB staff providing on-site supervision coupled with Company remote management and mentoring

  3. Third Party Sponsorship, where until such time, or even if, the Company is able to implement options 1 or 2 above, it financially sponsors students to work at a non-profit organization or a small business that as a result of the pandemic does not have the budget to financially support the students' employment but has a need for productive workers

 

The CWSP enables students to earn 50% or more of the cost of their education. This experience is an essential part of their education and growth. It enables students to directly contribute to the cost of their education while exposing them to the world of work, acquire invaluable hard skills and the values of hard work, responsibility and ambition.

For more information contact CWSP at cwsp@cristoreybrooklyn.org

Through our Corporate Work Study Program, our young men and women

have been exposed to real-life work experience at the following companies:

Testimonials From American Express

I am an advocate for the Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program for a number of reasons. The first reason is because I was introduced to Corporate America via a work study program, many years ago. It was call the “co-op" program. It changed my life. I know firsthand the impact these types of programs can have on a young person’s life. 

 

The second reason is because working with the Cristo Rey students is VERY rewarding. Rewarding for both the business and for the students. Watching the students develop over the years has been amazing! Our students get the opportunity to apply the business concepts and theories to their real world decision making. They leave American Express with solid work ethics and a good sense of social responsibility. They get the opportunity to meet professional role models and potential mentors who can provide guidance, feedback, and support. What a GREAT program!.”

—  Supervisor, American Express

"Before I went to American Express I expected to be seen as younger or as a kid. Before I started working I never expected to be given important work or tasks because I am a freshman. However as soon as I got there I was expected to complete challenging work. I am not treated like a 14 year old but more as a co-worker and an important part of the company. At my job I am learning skills that I will most likely use when I get older. I am learning how to interact with people in the work space. I look forward to the rest of my time at AMEX."

—  Student from the Class of 2022, Employee at American Express

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