How old must a student be to participate in the Corporate Work-Study Program (CWSP)?

All students must be 14 years of age before they begin work for a corporate sponsor.

How many days a week does a student work?

Each student works at least one day during the week. Four students share one job, and on the fifth day, the students rotate, such that every four weeks, all students work 5 total days:

What type of jobs do students perform at the work site?

Typically all students perform similar entry-level clerical duties: answering phones, sorting and delivering mail, scanning and faxing documents, data entry, filing, running office errands, and using Microsoft Office Software. Specific job descriptions do differ on a sponsor by sponsor basis.

Do students get paid directly?

The money that is paid by employers goes to the CWSP and not the students directly. This money goes directly to the students' tuition. Some students have the opportunity on a sponsor-by-sponsor basis to work during school holidays: Christmas and Summer.  The Cristo Rey CWSP manages the processes for the pay earned during these breaks as well, which the students will receive directly for any extra work they do.

How do the students get to work?

On their assigned day, students will be transported to and from work by the Cristo Rey CWSP. Students arrive at their workplace around 8:30 and are picked up around 4:00, for a full work day.

Does the work schedule interfere with academic studies?

Schedules are structured so that students work without missing class. On school days, students attend school in an extended day format (7:30-4:30) to complete a full class schedule.

Do all students go to work?

All Cristo Rey Jesuit students must participate in the work-study program. Corporate Work-Study is part of the curriculum, and it finances up to 70% of each student's education.

Do students choose where they go to work?

After considering students' skill levels and interests and the skill set needed by our corporate sponsor, the CWSP Director will determine where students are placed.

Is there a dress code?

Cristo Rey Jesuit students are held to strict standards. All students are required to wear their school uniform to work. Students must adhere to the dress code at all times. Dress code includes: dress shoes, khaki slacks, white button-down shirt/blouse, tie, and navy sweater.

Who supervises Cristo Rey students at the work place?

Students are assigned a supervisor at the work-site to receive instructions and obtain feedback on performance. Students do not have to work directly with their supervisor on their daily tasks. All disciplinary actions are conducted through CWSP staff.

As a sponsoring business, what responsibilities do I have?

The 3 biggest responsibilities are:

• Provide a positive working environment for the student.
• Provide a supervisor(s) who believes in the program and the success of Cristo Rey students.
• Provide meaningful work for the students and explain to them the importance of their role.

If I have a problem with the student, do I deal with the student directly?

If there ever is an issue with a student at the workplace, you can deal with that student directly or you can contact the CWSP Office. Students can be re-assigned if there are any issues. If this does occur, another student will be substituted.

What are the expectations of students in the CWSP?

Students are expected to meet or exceed the level of professionalism and dedication demanded of their adult colleagues at the work place.

How are students prepared for their work study jobs?

New students attend a rigorous four week summer training initiative that includes courses in telephone and computer skills, office machines and filing, public speaking and team building, importance of first impressions, business ethics and etiquette, and professional dress. Returning students attend an intensive one week refresher course before the school year begins.

What are the advantages of hiring a Cristo Rey Jesuit student?

• The Corporate Work Study team handles all personnel concerns immediately.
• Since students are employed by the Work Study Program, businesses save money on taxes, health benefits, and other expenditures.
• Supporting your local community
• Bring diversity to your work place
• Many businesses hire students to work additional hours over summer and winter breaks.

Is it possible to hire the students for school breaks?

Yes, it is possible to hire the students during school breaks (Christmas and Summer). Since the CWSP operates like a staffing agency, it handles payment to the students which they receive directly for any extra work.

How can I hire a Cristo Rey Jesuit student?

Please contact Mr. Dan Walsh, the Director of the Corporate Work-Study Program at 281-501-1298 x108 (office), 713-725-4093 (cell), or at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Are there any child labor issues?

Regarding child labor laws, Cristo Rey Jesuit has an exception from the U.S. Department of Labor which allows Cristo Rey Jesuit to employ children 14 years and older (the U.S. standard is 16). Each year this exception is renewed by the Cristo Rey Network.