Cristo Rey Network

Chicago, united states

Father John Foley served Jesuit missions in Peru for 34 years before he was asked by the Jesuits in Chicago to come back and serve the local Latino community. The result was a network of Cristo Rey high schools, aimed at providing urban young people with the skills necessary for college.

Through a combination of academic assistance, counseling, a longer school year and smaller class sizes, Cristo Rey students gain the academic abilities they need for college. They learn to expect great things of themselves. Students participate in a unique work study program that connects them with local businesses, where they earn money to help pay for tuition.

The Cristo Rey Network was founded in 2001 with 79 students and one school. It now provides hope and experience to students in 30 schools across the United States. The Cristo Rey Network is a national model, putting rigorous college prep education within reach of young people so they can achieve their potential and build a better world.