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Lakewood to Partner with Cristo Rey Richmond High School

January 25, 2021

LifeSpire of Virginia is pleased to announce its partnership with Cristo Rey Richmond High School. Cristo Rey is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. The partnership will include a corporate work study program where LifeSpire of Virginia will employ students from the school.

Because Cristo Rey is Richmond-based, Lakewood will serve as the community to engage in the program. Students will intern in communications, marketing, facilities management and talent management. Supervisory team members will be guided by Cristo Rey.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cristo Rey students will be collaborating with the Lakewood team virtually. Tenth grade students will work in partnership with Lakewood on business projects. Ninth grade students will continue with a business literacy course to be ready for professional roles in the fall. Special assemblies and events will be held virtually to continue relationship building and skill development for both grades.

“Students come from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, which would bring diversity and culture changes to Lakewood,” said Jonathan Cook, LifeSpire of Virginia’s president and CEO. “Partnering with Cristo Rey will provide an introduction of the senior living sector to a younger audience and help build a workforce for the future.”

“We are so excited that Cristo Rey students have an opportunity to learn about vibrant, thriving senior living options in such a great setting. It has been a pleasure to work with LifeSpire of Virginia leadership and we can’t wait for our students to have the same experience,” said Amy McCracken, director of Corporate Work Study.

Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life. Cristo Rey is a part of the largest network of high schools in the country that exclusively serve youth with limited economic means.