“Our unique Work Study Program would be impossible without our business partners,” says David Perry, president of Cristo Rey High School Sacramento. “In addition to a top-quality Catholic college prep education, every Cristo Rey student gains invaluable work experience through jobs at local businesses. We thank those businesses for giving our students a life-changing foothold in the business world.”

Established in 2006, Cristo Rey High School Sacramento helps prepare our future workforce with its Work Study Program. Every student from 9th through 12th grade works five days per month, gaining foundational job experience and business contacts. Students log nearly 1,200 work hours by the time they graduate.

The Luchetti family and Pacific Coast Building Products are a foremost example of the partnerships the Work Study Program depends on. “They’ve graced us with their philanthropy, sponsorships and internships from day one,” Perry says. “Every year, they hire multiple teams of students into actual company positions, even offering employment through seasonal and summer breaks. They’ve hired many students full time after graduation as well.”

“In addition to a top-quality Catholic college prep education, every Cristo Rey student gains invaluable work experience through jobs at local businesses.” — David Perry President

Not every business partner can offer year-round employment, but all paid jobs are critical to the program, immensely appreciated and honorably rewarded by hard work from the students. About 76 percent of Cristo Rey Sacramento’s students hold paid positions, 20 percent have been welcomed into positions with local nonprofits and a handful are building job skills on campus until positions are found.

This July, Cristo Rey Sacramento’s presidency transitions from Perry to Fr. Christopher Calderón, SJ, who’s been serving as Dean of Students. Calderón takes over as the school is newly debt free, a status achieved through a capital campaign under Perry’s guidance. Perry concludes, “Cristo Rey is ready for a new launch next school year with new leadership, no debt and a growing student body of about 330 students. We thank our ongoing business partners from our hearts and invite new partners to join us in our mission.”