The Corporate Work Study Program at Cristo Rey De La Salle in Oakland is a proven staffing solutions and workforce development model that is already successful at 32 other Cristo Rey schools across the United States, according to John Coughlan, Director of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP).

Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School at Saint Elizabeth Campus in Oakland is a diverse, Lasallian Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service, says Coughlan. A rigorous and personalized college preparatory curriculum integrated with a corporate work study experience prepares students to succeed in college and in life.

Companies contract with the Corporate Work Study Program for full time, entry-level jobs. The CWSP is separately incorporated, functioning like a temporary employment agency within Cristo Rey De La Salle High School. Cristo Rey students are employees of the CWSP, not of the Corporate Partner. The Corporate Partner pays a $36,000 annual fee to the CWSP, not to the student. All payroll, legal, tax, logistics, and transportation issues are handled by CWSP.

The high school's CWSP uses an "earn to learn" model. Four students share one job during business hours throughout the academic year. Students rotate schedules, each working five full days a month. Student associates work with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to earn money, gain valuable experience, and broaden their access to professional mentors. Each Corporate Partner who provides one job gives four students an opportunity for a great start to their careers, and helps build a pipeline for future employees.

"We are currently working with CMS and Sensiba San Filippo as Corporate Partners and would love to increase our footprint with Hacienda businesses," says Coughlan. The program's partners range in size from a single employee to 263,000 employees and represent all sectors of the Bay Area economy.

"Organizations partner with us for a number of reasons, including staffing high-turnover roles and grooming future management," notes Coughlan. "By many metrics, including attendance and client satisfaction, our non-profit staffing agency with teenage student associates outperforms our adult peers. We give our partner organizations the best possible opportunity to 'do good while doing well' via our competitive workforce development and staffing solution. If you believe in improving educational outcomes, creating a diverse workforce, and innovating in the workplace, then you must consider becoming a Corporate Partner at Cristo Rey De La Salle."

National companies that are Cristo Rey Corporate Partners for Cristo Rey schools across the nation include CVS, Gap, Home Depot, Kaiser Permanente, Macy's, Nike, Salesforce, United Airlines, and Walgreens.

On August 3, 2018 Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School will be hosting Draft Day on its campus. Draft Day is a professional, sports-style ceremony during which CWSP announces student associate matches with Corporate Partners.

"All are welcome," says Coughlan, "We should have a few interesting surprise guests!"

For more information about the Corporate Work Study Program at Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School, please visit cristoreydelasalle.org/corporate-work-study-program.