Youth Career Development through Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School Work Study Program

“After nearly three years of being part of this amazing team, I find it hard to envision myself in any other role. My connection to this job has deepened over time, and I have come to truly appreciate not only the work I do but also the amazing people I have the pleasure of working with every day I am here. Abigaile and Rebecca are such amazing supervisors. Their constant support and kindness have given me the confidence and tools to succeed in my role. Every morning, the warmth and positivity they bring truly light up my day. I am excited about what I can take from this learning experience and apply it in the real world! I’ve grown, and my colleagues have noticed as well. I’m grateful to work with such incredible people!” – Zoe Sanchez Lopez, Student Intern 

The students from the Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School Corporate Work Study program have been honorary members of the Carolina Theatre team for three years and have been a source of inspiration and enthusiasm to everyone they have met. Director Roger Reed shared more about the program and how it helps shape the future of both its students and the greater community. 

Carolina Theatre: Can you tell us how you recognized the need for the Corporate Work Study (CWS) program and how it was developed? 

Cristo Rey: The CWS program was created in 2021 within Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School (CRRTHS) and operates as a temporary employment agency, giving students the chance to earn a majority of their education costs while gaining valuable work experience in corporate offices throughout the Triangle area. The program provides our students with real-world opportunities and delivers a uniquely integrated career-focused, college preparatory education by bringing schools, businesses, and communities together to open doors for students from families with limited economic resources to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success. 

CTD: There are over 60 companies and organizations who support the program, including the Carolina Theatre. How did you build such strong partnerships in the community? 

CRRTHS: Carolina Theatre is one of our founding partners and we built a great partnership by continuing to listen to them and send them amazing students. Carolina Theatre has had the same student working for them since she was a freshman. We do our best to match students’ interest levels and skills to the needs of their employers.  We have Relationship Managers whose role is to both coach students and coach supervisors on working better together. 

CTD: The program has helped many students to learn new skills and pursue career interests. Can you share one of your most memorable stories about a student from the program? 

CRRTHS: We really want to shout out all of our seniors. This is our first class of graduating seniors, so one of the most memorable stories is a collection of stories. Seeing our students grow from freshmen to seniors has been amazing and a joy to witness.  We have a young man named Ian who arrived at Cristo Rey a less than confident, shy young man.  He grew in roles each year, and as a senior working for The Forest at Duke for his 2nd year has become a valuable asset in their marketing department.  He is now outgoing, confident, and contributes heavily to the small team.  

CTD: What has been the biggest impact of the program on the community? Have there been additional benefits of the program that you did not expect? 

CRRTHS: The biggest impact on the community has been building amazing partnerships and networking. Our students make connections through work that benefit them, increasing their rate of success in college and improving their families’ financial situation in the long term. In addition to their direct work contributions, our students work and volunteer in local nonprofits.  CRRTHS is currently participating in a Disaster Relief Challenge to help the people affected by Hurricane Helene. 

CTD: What does the future of the program look like and how can the community support it? 

CRRTHS: The future of the program is to keep expanding our jobs for students. We utilize methods such as the CWS newsletter which is sent out each month to keep our partners well informed. We will continue to expand our student population. We will continue to have our students participate in acts of giving within the CWS program.  Every member of our community is able to participate in some way in our students’ success.  Mentor programs, guest speaker series, tutoring, donations, hiring students, and making introductions to potential job partners are several of the ways that the community can be involved. 

The Carolina Theatre needs your support to help grow partnerships with organizations such as Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School and provide engagement opportunities for students and youth. Your gift helps to make these partnerships possible and builds the foundation for the future of the arts in greater Durham. We are grateful for your support of the Carolina Theatre and of the arts and education partners who are at the heart of our community. 

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