Corporate Work Study Program

The School That Works – Literally

Detroit Cristo Rey High School is part of the growing Cristo Rey Network® of high schools across the country that integrate four years of rigorous college-preparatory academics with four years of professional work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program (CWS).

Our CWS program operates like a temporary employment agency and employs every student in a professional job (on-site, remote or hybrid) one full day a week during school months, all four years of high school.

Student associates connect classroom to career, while earning up to 50% of their own education cost. These young men and women contribute and strengthen their social and technical acumen as they develop newfound awareness to pursue and excel in careers or industries they may not have otherwise considered.

Our partners represent industries that span from accounting to technology and include General Motors, DTE Energy, Corewell Health, Walbridge and Visit Detroit. We are also part of the solution to retain talent here in Michigan as many of our alumni are often hired by our partners upon graduation from college.

How It Works

Partner organizations contract with CWS to fill full-time, entry-level jobs. The fee-for-service contractual period spans approximately 9 months from early September to the first week in June. These jobs are paid positions, with the money earned paid directly to DCR CWS to help cover students’ tuition costs.

Students are employees of CWS. DCR CWS staff members provide customer support in addition to handling all payroll, W-4, I-9, workers’ compensation and other employer issues for the students.

CWS trains the students, provides transportation and works with hiring organizations to assign motivated, enthusiastic student workers who can best meet your business needs!

Why It Works

As a result of hiring our students through the Corporate Work Study Program, our corporate partners reap a variety of benefits that include:

  • Creating a pipeline for future employees
  • Assuming a fee that is a cost-effective alternative to employing a full-time worker or contractor
  • Reducing turnover in entry-level positions
  • Helping to develop internal talent through supervisory and mentorship experience

What Our Students Do

  • Data entry and organization
  • Client document preparation
  • Payroll support
  • IT support

  • Front desk operation
  • Clerical work
  • Client relations management

  • Resume review and candidate research
  • Scanning documents
  • Scheduling and managing appointments

  • Assistance with Spanish-speaking customers
  • Communication during presentations and tours
  • Written communication for families

  • Social media handling
  • Marketing material production
  • Market research on trending tactics
  • AI research and use
  • Event planning

  • Manage tasks to complete accounts payable process
  • Enter data in vendor management system
  • Process cash receipts, expense reports, credit applications