In celebration of National College Decision Day, the Cristo Rey Network today announced a $2.2 million grant from the Deloitte Foundation to support college scholarships for graduating seniors in the Class of 2026.

Administered by the Cristo Rey Network national office, this grant will award $56,150 to each of 38 (of 41) campuses with a senior class. Schools will distribute the funds as one-year scholarships to students who express interest in pursuing four-year degrees in the areas of business, technology, or engineering at the postsecondary institution of their choice. 

“We are grateful for Deloitte Foundation’s continued investment in our students,” said Kelby Woodard, President and CEO of the Cristo Rey Network. “This commitment provides support for our graduating seniors as they transition from high school to college. As Deloitte Foundation Scholars, they can move forward with confidence and a strong sense of possibility.” 

Each of the 38 schools will select between six and 28 students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership excellence, and financial need to become Deloitte Foundation Scholars. Individuals will receive scholarship awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

In memory of the late John R. McConnell, Jr. — Founding President of Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School and a retired Principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP — all scholarship recipients from Cristo Rey Philadelphia will be named John McConnell/Deloitte Foundation Scholars.

This grant marks the sixth consecutive year of support from the Deloitte Foundation, which has contributed more than $7.7 million in scholarships over the past five years, benefiting more than 1,200 Cristo Rey students.

"The Deloitte Foundation helps open doors to opportunity for tomorrow’s workforce," remarked Erin Scanlon, President, Deloitte Foundation. “These scholarships can help the selected Cristo Rey graduates continue their education, pursuing purposeful careers, and building the skills and confidence to thrive as the future of work evolves.”

Committed to strengthening pathways to college, the Cristo Rey Network is developing and expanding resources to both sustain and increase college enrollment and completion. As part of this effort, Deloitte Foundation Scholars — along with all Cristo Rey college enrollees — receive individualized guidance from their high school alumni advisors as they navigate their postsecondary trajectory. Through the Cristo Rey Network’s National Alumni Association, graduates also gain access to a nationwide community of peers, professional development opportunities, and workforce connections through Alumni Partners.

About the Cristo Rey Network:
The Cristo Rey Network of 41 high schools delivers a career focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. Cristo Rey Network schools admit students inclusive of all faiths and cultures. Cristo Rey partners with educators, businesses and communities to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success: students are two times more likely than their socio-economic peers to complete a bachelor's degree by age 24. Learn more.

About the Deloitte Foundation:
The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators.