Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Pilsen operates with unique passing periods. Without the sound of bells, students rely on their internal clocks to transition between classes. This practice aims to instill responsibility and independence, preparing students for future workplaces.
Students wear business casual attire, reflecting the professional lives they aspire to lead. From Monday to Thursday, about 25% of students participate in work-study positions in various industries like law, healthcare, and finance across Chicagoland. This initiative aligns with the school’s mission since it opened 30 years ago, assisting approximately 450 students primarily from Spanish-speaking families by covering half of their $21,000 annual tuition through work-study programs.
Families contribute roughly $3,200 towards tuition, with financial aid available. Philanthropic efforts cover the remaining costs. This approach not only aids in financing education but also leads to potential internships and future employment, offering an alternative to traditional high school academics during a time when career-focused education is in demand.
While similar opportunities exist for seniors in Chicago Public Schools, Cristo Rey students start as early as their sophomore year, gaining valuable work experience. A student, Kassandra De La Torre, raised her hand during a Spanish class, emphasizing student engagement.
Senior Paulina Key actively chose Cristo Rey for its work-study model. At 17, she sought college readiness and life skills, an aspiration Cristo Rey fulfills. She appreciates the opportunity to work one day weekly, a rare chance she doesn’t find elsewhere. Over three years, Key gained experience at a downtown Chicago law firm, in construction at O’Hare International Airport, and currently as a certified nursing assistant at Loyola University Medical Center.
The nursing training option, recently introduced, sparked her interest in pursuing this field in college. Key feels Cristo Rey has prepared her well for challenges. Fellow senior Mauricio Montoya agrees. His work-study experiences in business and finance have honed skills like Microsoft proficiency, earning him trust in professional settings despite age differences.
Montoya sees an advantage in having broader experiences compared to peers. He still enjoys high school life, joining activities and clubs that enhance student connections.
Benefits and Experts’ Views
The work-study model offers students career exploration, relationship building, and workforce exposure, according to Mary Beth Medvide, a Suffolk University psychology associate professor. The community aspect is vital, encouraging students with peer success and fostering a sense of collective achievement.
Medvide notes these programs cultivate a connection beyond personal success, rooted in embodying values while pursuing education and family success. She highlights Cristo Rey’s role in fostering resiliency and adaptability, critical for facing job market challenges and balancing life.
Alumni Insights
Anthony Guzman, a 2013 alumnus, exemplifies the program’s adaptability. After exploring various fields, he returned to Cristo Rey in 2023 as lead partner relations manager, crediting his schooling for his confidence and resilience. Guzman values giving back to his alma mater, reinforcing confidence among students about their potential in professional spaces.
Matching students with work-study roles is a meticulous process occurring over summer vacations. Beyond résumé enhancement, it instills confidence in students about their place in professional environments.
Guzman emphasizes students’ rightful positions in any setting, regardless of background. Cristo Rey nurtures a supportive community, reminiscent of Guzman’s student days, when he roamed the same halls, attended similar schools, and grew up in similar neighborhoods.
Staff and Community Reflections
Reina García, a 2007 alumnus and the school’s director of college counseling, sees students as central to the school’s mission. The institution’s growth includes programs like the certified nursing assistant training and new AP courses. For García, Cristo Rey is a family tradition. Her sisters, cousins, and goddaughter maintain the legacy. The school’s Jesuit identity fosters holistic student development, celebrating backgrounds of low-income, predominantly Latino families.
García acknowledges changes over the years, including adjusting to a post-pandemic world. However, she believes the school’s spirit remains unchanged, contributing to prolonged tenures among staff and students.
Leave a Reply