Detroit Cristo Rey opened in 2008, during the “Great Recession”, with a simple goal of preparing our students to graduate from college. Now as we maneuver through over a year with the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal remains unchanged, though the challenges are like none the school has experienced before.  

As I take over the helm from Mike Khoury, who built a strong foundation for this school along with the hard work and dedication of a very committed team, I am humbled by the generosity of so many.  Since our Corporate Work Study Program Partners have been hard hit by the economic effects of the pandemic, the support from individuals and foundations has played an even more important role.  However, we have not yet weathered this storm.   

The Corporate Work Study Program is the most distinctive feature of the Cristo Rey concept, complementing the school’s academic program with one day per week of real-life work experience in many of the finest businesses and organizations in metro Detroit. The Corporate Partners are a vital part of this unique academic approach, allowing the school to make a faith-based, student-centered education available at a very affordable cost while equipping the students for personal and professional success. 

Does your company have a challenge recruiting and maintaining qualified minority workers? Is your company’s target market demographic changing to a heavier mix of minority customers? If the answer is “Yes” to either response, then Detroit Cristo Rey can be a valuable partner. Our Corporate Work Study Program functions as a pipeline supplying diverse, qualified workers who are developing the right skills to assume the challenging jobs of the future.  The school and the Corporate Work Study Program are distinct legal entities and the CWSP is a non-religious non-profit organization. CWSP is a training and temporary employment agency, similar to Manpower, whose purpose is to provide entry-level support to clients.  

On the bright side, and there are so many, our graduates continue entering and graduating from college at two to three times the national average! Our alumni currently study at Yale, Dartmouth, Michigan, Michigan State and many other outstanding schools. They have already earned degrees from Notre Dame, Loyola, Michigan, Michigan State, Howard and Wayne State to name a few. 

We are proud to be part of the Cristo Rey Network, one of 37 schools utilizing one of the most exciting and innovative models of education in the country.  We dare to dream big! 

Located at the corner of Vernor and Junction on the Most Holy Redeemer campus, Detroit Cristo Rey High School is sponsored by the Basilian Fathers and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and is committed to providing a college-preparatory, co-educational, Catholic high school education for the most potential-filled and hardworking youth of any faith in the city of Detroit.  All are welcome! 

Please contact me to learn more about our incredible students and school. 

Christopher Lynch 

President, Detroit Cristo Rey High School 

clynch@detroitcristorey.org