Cristo Rey Orange County High School Inc

Thank you everyone who supported last year’s Big Sur Marathon fundraiser for Cristo Rey Orange County. I am excited to run it back with the Los Angeles Marathon this month!

It has been a terrific year for Cristo Rey. In August 2023, after years of planning, Cristo Rey opened in Santa Ana to 66 founding freshmen students who embraced a new school in the hopes of a great education. Although new to Orange County, Cristo Rey’s proven national model empowers low-income students by uniquely integrating rigorous academics with four years of professional work experience. Across 38 other schools, Cristo Rey students attend college at similar levels of high-income students and graduate college at nearly three times higher than their socioeconomic peers.

The vast majority of Cristo Rey Orange County students will be the first in their family to attend college. When asked why they chose a brand-new school where they knew few, if any, students—the overwhelming answer was Cristo Rey’s unique Corporate Work Study Program. Students work five days a month in an office environment where they connect classroom learnings with business experiences. They develop teamwork skills and build confidence while increasing their aspirations for college and career success.

A snapshot of current Cristo Rey Orange County students…

• 66 students in founding freshmen class came from 41 middle schools across Orange County.

• $50,400: average family income.

• $900: average family tuition contribution annually. Student jobs and donor scholarships bridge the gap.

• 34 founding Corporate Work Study Partners include Latham & Watkins, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Capital Group, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, and UC Irvine.

• Expect 80+ new students for next incoming freshmen class.

Thank you for joining me in support of Cristo Rey Orange County and helping make students’ academic and career dreams a reality!

Videos:

First Day of School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evegZYgfTMA

Draft Day, a festive celebration announcing students & corporate partners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBj62FyEQqY

On April 30th, I will run the Big Sur Marathon in support of Cristo Rey Orange County High School, a new school in Santa Ana, CA opening in August.

Cristo Rey Orange County will empower students with limited economic resources to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success. Although a new school, it is part of a proven national model. The Cristo Rey Network of high schools delivers a career-focused, college preparatory education for students with limited means, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college.

As a first-generation college student from a working-class family, I deeply relate to the challenges facing many similar households today. Access to a quality education in a supportive community is life-changing and its benefits compound for generations.

Your contribution will help provide a brighter future for generations of Orange County students. Thank you for your support!