Each month, our series highlights the people and organizations that make Tampa Bay stronger. These are the partners whose work reaches far beyond their mission statements and creates a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This month, we’re proud to feature Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School, a Catholic, college-preparatory high school providing students from families with limited economic resources a unique combination of rigorous academics, professional experience and preparation for life beyond the classroom.

Since opening its doors in Tampa in 2016, Cristo Rey Tampa has built its approach around a model that connects education directly with opportunity. Today, the school serves more than 260 students and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate.

At the center of that model is Cristo Rey Tampa’s Corporate Work Study Program. Every student spends four days each week in the classroom and one day working in a professional setting with one of more than 50 corporate and community partners throughout Tampa Bay. By graduation, students can gain more than 1,000 hours of professional experience while developing practical skills, exploring potential career paths and building relationships within the business community.

The program also helps make a private, college-preparatory education more accessible. Through their work-study experience, students earn nearly 40% of the cost of their education while gaining experience that can help prepare them for college and their future careers.

The results extend well beyond the workplace! Cristo Rey Tampa reports a 100% college acceptance rate, and 75–85% of its graduates are the first in their families to attend college. Students are supported throughout that journey with college readiness programming, leadership development and a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare them for what comes next.

What makes Cristo Rey Tampa especially unique is the community behind its students. Families, educators and local businesses all play a role in creating opportunities for young people to discover what they are capable of and begin building their professional networks before they ever graduate high school.

At KUDUCOM, we are grateful to work alongside organizations like Cristo Rey Tampa that are investing in the next generation of Tampa Bay. Their work is a reminder of what can happen when education and the local business community come together to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Connect with Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School

Learn more about Cristo Rey Tampa, support its mission or explore becoming a Corporate Work Study Partner through the school’s website.

Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School
6400 East Chelsea Street
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 621-8300