Today, the Cristo Rey Network named nine Cristo Rey schools recipients of the organization’s new CWSP Remote Work Program school grant. Over three years, $525,000 will be disseminated across selected grantees to fuel the operation of new and established remote work programs to further individual Cristo Rey school success with job sales and student experience. 

Made possible by a generous investment from Cristo Rey Network Board Chair John O’Shea, the following Cristo Rey schools will receive funding for personnel support and/or improved technology and equipment to maximize student workers’ value in remote work placements.

• Brooklyn - Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School
• Fort Worth - Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep
• Methuen - Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School
• New York - Cristo Rey New York High School
• Philadelphia - Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School
• Portland - De La Salle North Catholic High School
• Research Triangle - Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School
• San Diego - Cristo Rey San Diego High School
• Washington D.C. - Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School

“Remote work represents an opportunity to achieve the student experience and intended outcomes of the CWSP model for student workers and Corporate Partners in a timely and innovative manner,” said Teri Johnson, Cristo Rey Network Vice President of CWSP. “Remote work is here to stay, and this school grant enables more of our schools to be equipped to offer an effective remote work option.”

Launched by the national office in January 2022, a competitive request for proposal invited eligible Cristo Rey schools to apply for the CWSP Remote Work Program. Twenty-six schools responded to the opportunity. Selected applicants prioritized the essential elements for effective implementation, including measurable outcomes:  

• operate an on-campus or locally funded off-site space with the capacity to scale remote placements 
• present a systematic approach and model to developing student workers, including:
  • One hour of workplace training on students’ assigned workday
  • Implementation of comprehensive four-year student work training continuum
  • Established relationship development with Corporate Partner (regular supervisor contact, mentorship, periodic student/partner site visits, the cadence of clearly defined projects, work aligned with position description)

All grantee schools will engage in collaboration and support offerings designed and delivered by the national office CWSP team.

“Through our diverse partnerships with industry leaders, subject matter experts, and Corporate Partners, the CWSP Remote Work Program grant allows schools to expeditiously respond to evolving remote work trends in the workplace, expectations of entry-level workforce, and skills needed to thrive in today’s corporate workplace,” explained Cristo Rey Network President and CEO Elizabeth Goettl. “Cristo Rey retains our clear vision that student economic status will not be the barrier to a fulfilling career, and we are committed to ensuring our Corporate Work Study Programs are aligned with corporate workforce trends now and into the future.”