FIRST CAREER DAY INSPIRES UNDERCLASSMEN

“To have the ability to speak to professionals from all of these different places and careers, and to be able to ask them questions specifically about what they do is so helpful as I try to figure out what I want to do,” said sophomore Samantha.

More than 40 professionals from around Milwaukee, including representatives from 15+ Corporate Work Study (CWS) companies, spent the afternoon working with students in small groups during the school's first underclassmen Career Day. The event was designed to show students how elements and skills from their academics, corporate work study, and college prep experience worked together to create future career opportunities. During the fair, CRJ students were given the opportunity to connect with professionals, explore various industries, and hear about their career journeys. Students also benefited from participating in mock interviews and received tips and feedback on their resumes.

Freshman Issac commented, “It was so cool that all these people took time out of their day to come and help us. I was blown away by the amount of people that came to talk with us. It was really helpful.”

The students weren't the only ones impressed with the experience. Scott Huebner, Director of Business Development for Better Business Bureau, said, "I was so impressed with the students’ politeness and professionalism. CRJ students definitely rank near the top of all the youth I have worked with over the last 30 years. It's rewarding and encouraging to see and meet these future leaders."

Experiences like this Career Day are but another way Cristo Rey Jesuit works to bring its mission to life by empowering its graduates to succeed in college, career, and beyond. We are grateful to everyone who volunteered their time to meet with these young Trailblazers and help them prepare for future career success!

The Cristo Rey Network 2023 Annual Meeting was held in Philadelphia from April 18 - 21.

Every April, the entire Cristo Rey Network gathers leaders from across 38 schools around the country. I recently returned from our annual meeting held in Philadelphia this year. The energetic spirit at the meeting embodies the strong mission-centered commitment of those dedicated to working in our schools everyday. The topic of enrollment and growth was of particular importance at our meeting. Demographic realities in various communities where our schools are situated are playing out which has our Network, like many others in the educational community, paying close attention to enrollment and retention of our students. 

At Cristo Rey Jesuit Milwaukee, with the expertise of the Cristo Rey Network, we monitor several indicators that help us understand what students and families from the city are seeking and how we are attracting those who desire the educational opportunities we offer. We are blessed with a strong reputation for offering a distinct education that combines a college prep focus with workplace experiences in a faith-centered environment for every student. Kids and families have responded. This year, we became the 4th largest Cristo Rey school by total enrollment in the Cristo Rey Network. This surpasses enrollment from Network schools in much larger markets than Milwaukee. We also rank in the top 10 Cristo Rey schools for both average aggregate student retention from 9th grade through graduation and the very important transition time from freshman to sophomore year. These results are truly noteworthy in a world with fewer students in general and where many schools struggle to realize sustainable and/or growing enrollment.

While we celebrate this continued strong enrollment success in Milwaukee, our school has been recognized as a leader in this area by the Cristo Rey Network. Samantha Lin, Cristo Rey Network Associate Director of School Growth and Student Recruitment, recently noted,"Cristo Rey Jesuit Milwaukee has worked hard to distinguish themselves as an excellent and unique high school in a very robust Choice market, and they continue to develop their student recruitment program by investing in community and school partner relationships." I recently served on a national task force for the Cristo Rey Network to identify best admissions and enrollment practices from across our network of schools and to help other leaders in the Cristo Rey Network build their student recruitment efforts. Our Cristo Rey school in Milwaukee is leading the way nationally in this critical domain.

Philadelphia was an inspirational place to have our annual meeting. The framers of our Constitution envisioned the pursuit of “a more perfect union” in Philadelphia knowing that their vision would never truly reach completion. As a Catholic, Jesuit school, we continue to build our city through the work of the young men, women, and families we welcome to our school year after year. We know that our vision will never truly reach completion either but we join our students and families in welcoming the pursuit.

CRJ SENIORS RECEIVING $14M IN SCHOLARSHIPS

CRJ Seniors Arlin and Alexandra were both accepted to the University of Notre Dame!

May 1st - National College Decision Day - is rapidly approaching. CRJ seniors are excitedly reviewing their acceptance letters and making their final decisions on which college or university to attend this fall. The CRJ Postgraduate Success team works closely with students and their families to help identify the "Best Fit" colleges or universities for them. Advisors have arranged many college visits and are taking students on campus tours, reviewing financial aid packages, and answering questions that arise during the decision process. During the past several months, students have toured local campuses such as Carroll, Marquette, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Madison as well as out of state universities including Notre Dame and Holy Cross.

In addition, 11 members of the Class of 2023 have been selected to receive All-In Milwaukee Scholarships. All-In Milwaukee is a coalition of education partners helping limited-income, high-potential students graduate college. Currently, the Class of 2023 has submitted over 950 applications and has received 570 acceptances. In addition, they have also received $14M+ in scholarships to support their aspirations of earning a college degree.  

We look forward to sharing more about our students’ final decisions on social media with our Senior Spotlight posts on Facebook and LinkedIn beginning on May 1st, leading all the way up to the graduation ceremony on June 2nd. CRJ seniors will announce their college choice during our Senior Signing Day celebration on May 16th from 2:30-3:30 pm. The community is invited to attend this school-wide celebration of the Class of 2023. Please RSVP to Luke Sadowsky.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: GISSELL VERA '19

Cristo Rey Jesuit empowers its graduates to succeed in college and life. The spring of 2023 marks a milestone in the history of the school as the founding class of 2019 will become college graduates. This month's Class of 2019 spotlight focuses on Gissell Vera. Gissell was the valedictorian of the founding class and is attending Marquette University. Discover how this Trailblazer is prepared for success in college and life.

SUPPORT CRISTO REY JESUIT

Is your business interested in partnering with our work study program?

We would like to speak with you about how your business or organization can partner with our Corporate Work Study Program! Contact Everette Fernandes at 414.436.4600 Ext. 3141 or efernandes@cristoreymilwaukee.org.

Make a difference in the lives of CRJ students!

The generous support of Cristo Rey Jesuit donors like you makes it possible for us to offer a Catholic, college-prep education combined with unique professional work experience to young women and men of all faiths and limited financial means.