“We provide excellent college prep education and substantive corporate work study experience and have thrived for 20 years because of our community-driven mission,” says Father Christopher Calderón, president of Cristo Rey High School Sacramento. “Families, students, faculty, staff, partners and supporters care about our mission for the sake of changing young people’s lives and working against poverty, which changes countless more lives.”
“We provide excellent college prep education and substantive corporate work study experience and have thrived for 20 years because of our community-driven mission.”—Father Christopher Calderón, President
Established in 2006 in a network of 41 schools, Cristo Rey High School Sacramento marked a milestone in 2024 with their one thousandth graduate. From the very first alum to students nearing graduation this June, the school’s record speaks volumes — 100% of Cristo Rey students graduate and 98% go on to higher education.
Beyond academics, Cristo Rey’s work study program helps prepare our future workforce. Every student works five days per month, gaining foundational job experience and business contacts.
“The funding we receive from sponsors of work study positions underwrites our budget by 40-45%,” notes Calderón. “Even greater is the real-world experience students gain, inspiring their future as they invest in their education now.”
In 20 years, Cristo Rey students have worked more than 5 million hours in positions with big corporate offices and small businesses, with roles in health care, law, accounting, real estate, construction and more. They also work in nonprofits throughout Sacramento, from social services to local parochial schools.
“We welcome and need more work study partners to diversify the experience and ensure that our mission is sustained and growing,” says Calderón.
Cristo Rey looks to further develop its campus with more classrooms for the arts and honors courses and more social spaces for students to gather and connect. A gym on campus for their basketball and volleyball teams is also high on the list to match their beautiful soccer field.
“I believe our school’s impact on the Greater Sacramento community is unmatched,” says Calderón. “Our kids shape minds and hearts in offices as they also learn and grow from their coworkers and business leaders. They begin imagining themselves in those spaces, informing their college plans while creating a pipeline of future professionals who will return to Sacramento and continue to invest in our community!”
