140 Atlanta Businesses Hire 535 Students from Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School
Annual "Draft Day" Event Connects Low-Income, College Bound Students with Corporate Jobs
ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 535 high school students from Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School gathered alongside corporate executives from the Atlanta business community to participate in "Draft Day." Representatives from companies such as Arby's, Emory Hospital, King and Spalding, Southern Company, and UPS, along with many other top Atlanta businesses, "drafted" a team of four students to work an entry-level job in the upcoming school year as part of the school's innovative corporate work-study program.
Hosted by Russ Spencer of Fox 5 News and Wendy Corona from Channel 2 Action News, "Draft Day" took place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, at the Downtown Atlanta Hilton.
Ernie Johnson represented Turner Sports, a new corporate work-study partner. "I've heard about this event, but experiencing it in this room … is good for the soul," said the host of the TNT's Sports Emmy® Award winning show Inside the NBA.
Through Cristo Rey's corporate work-study program, students carry a full load of classes and work five full days a month in a corporate work setting. Students' earnings cover most of the tuition for their rigorous college-prep education at Cristo Rey Atlanta. Please see attachment for a complete list of job partners.
"We are in our fourth year and are thrilled by the ongoing support of the Atlanta business community," said Bill Garrett, President Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School. "Our partners are impressed with the caliber of commitment and dedication our students. The lessons our students learn from working in a corporate setting simply can't be replicated in the classroom. Our job partners and their employees are able to participate in an effort that truly changes the lives of our students. It is a win-win for everyone."
Much like the excitement of a traditional sports draft day, students met their corporate partners who will be a critical part of their high school experience. Teams of four students were drafted by a corporate partner and the students were called up to the stage to receive their company tee shirt and hat, - as well as take a photo with a company executive.
"Our experience with Cristo Rey students has been very positive; the students are bright, energetic and eager to learn," said Katie Broccolo, Student Program Coordinator at Southern Company. "Southern Company employees are passionate about being part of the students' professional development and provide every opportunity possible for the students to gain relevant work experience and exposure."
About Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School
Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means, of any faith or creed, to become men and women for and with others. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience, students graduate prepared for college and life.
About the Cristo Rey Network
The Cristo Rey Network provides a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education to young people who live in urban communities with limited educational options. Member schools utilize a rigorous academic model to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for college. Cristo Rey Network schools employ an innovative corporate work-study program that provides students with real world work experiences. Every student works five full days a month to fund the majority of his or her education, gain job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of his or her education. Students work at law firms, banks, hospitals, universities, and other professional Corporate Partners.
Bea Varona-Farach
Director of Communications and Special Projects
770-637-2813
[email protected]
SOURCE Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School
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