How it Works

1. Partners provide job opportunities that enable hard working students with limited economic resources an opportunity to receive an affordable, private school education. 

2. Partners support the local community by educating Seattle's future leaders. 

3. Partners bring diversity to the workplace.

4. Partners avoid personnel headaches; the Corporate Work Study team handles all personnel concerns.

5. Partners gain benefit savings; students are employed by the Corporate Work Study program and therefore our partners do not pay taxes, healthcare, or other employee expenditures.

6. Partners gain reliable workers who are transported to and from work by the Corporate Work Study program.

7. Partners hire a trained part-time workforce to draw from as special projects arise during student holidays and summer vacation.

Students earn a majority of their education cost through the Corporate Work Study program, which provides our schools with a sustainable revenue model that does not rely solely on tuition, traditional fundraising, or government funding. When a Cristo Rey school reaches full enrollment (400-500 students), the financial model reflects approximately 50% of funds earned through the Corporate Work Study program, 40% secured through fundraising, and 10% collected from a modest family contribution.

The three biggest responsibilities are to:

1. Provide a supervisor(s) who believes in the program and the success of Cristo Rey Jesuit students.

2. Provide meaningful work for the student and explain to him/her the importance of their role.

3. Provide a positive working environment for the student.

An on-site supervisor at the corporate work partner company will guide and support students at work. Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle staff will coordinate with on-site supervisors to provide the necessary guidance, training, and care that students need to succeed in the workplace. If needed, all disciplinary actions are conducted by Corporate Work Study program staff.

The United States Department of Labor Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR § 570.37, specifically authorizes Cristo Rey Network schools to operate the Corporate Work Study program within federal child labor laws. Each local Corporate Work Study program is committed to full compliance with the federal regulation in addition to respective state labor laws. Students must be eligible to work in the United States.

The corporate partner fee goes to CRJS, not the student, and is applied to the cost of their education. On a partner-by-partner basis, students may have the opportunity to work during holiday and summer breaks. The Corporate Work Study program manages the processes for pay earned during these breaks, which the students receive directly unless it is for a make-up day.

CRJS takes care of payroll, W-4, I-9, employment verification, insurance, and workers’ compensation.

Yes. Students must be at least 14 years old to work for a corporate job partner.

Each student works at least one day during the week. Four students share one job and on the fifth day the students rotate, so every four weeks all students work five days.

Each student worker is expected to attend work each and every day they are assigned. The CWS program has strict rules for student workers missing work for any reason other than illness or family emergency. Student workers are expected to make up any missed days (including days missed for illness or family emergency).

Organizations can get involved by hiring a team of students, sponsoring a team of students to work for a non-profit, or volunteer at events with your organization's employees. Get started by filling out our interest form.

CWS Interest Form

All incoming students attend a rigorous summer Bridge Program. The professional development content is anchored in lessons from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey and the workforce development training includes:

• Basic computer skills 
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• GoogleSuite (Docs, Sheets, and Slides)
• Standard office equipment training
• Office and email etiquette
• Positive first impressions in the workplace
• Customer service and phone skills
• Filing and document processing
• Confidentiality + ethics in the workplace
• Department of Labor specified workplace safety

No. Students are evaluated by the Corporate Work Study staff, who then assign student teams to job sites. Our staff takes into consideration both the skill-level required for the job and the particular interests and skills of each student.

Students are transported to and from work by CRJS. Students typically arrive at work between 8:00am and 9:00am and are picked up between 3:30pm and 4:30pm each day.

In order to participate in the Corporate Work Study program, students are required to commit themselves to high standards of responsibility and behavior. They must be competent, committed, and open to growth.

Yes. All students are required to wear their school dress uniform to work. Students must adhere to the dress code at all times.

No. All communications with Job Partners are made through the Corporate Work Study program office at CRJS.