Can you name the local high school that has 100% of its seniors accepted to one or more colleges?  Upper Arlington?  Bexley?  Columbus Academy?  CSG?  Nope, it’s Cristo Rey Columbus the amazing downtown Catholic school that provides a college preparatory education to under-served central Ohio youth from all faiths who come from economically challenged families.  More than half of that school’s seniors will be the first in their families to attend college!  Talk about a game changer – this school is producing pioneers – young people whose futures will be radically transformed because of this life changing high school.

There are four keys to this school’s remarkable success: First, they recruit carefully and set a very high bar for their students.  Second, they get the parents involved in their children’s education.  Third, they integrate faith and values into everything they do.  And fourth, they have a professional work study program in which every student works 5 days a month for a not for profit or for profit company – providing the student with life skills, work skills, mentoring and a new sense that “I can do this!”  These kids have been taught to dream BIG and dream BIG they certainly have.  And dreams that are supported and fostered seem to have a way of coming true!

How has education changed your life?  For Mark and me, education has been crucial to gaining the skills, experiences and opportunities to pursue professional careers and start this business.  Our parents grew up on farms and were the first generation in their families to graduate from college, changing their entire life trajectory and that of their children.   Many of you can say the same thing.

What young person in your life needs to be encouraged to continue their education.  Is it a grandchild, a niece or nephew – perhaps someone living next door to you?  Whoever it is, get involved with them.  Encourage them; assist them.  Or how about your local high school – could they use a tutor or a part time coach. How about a small scholarship that you establish to help kids go on to college.  You have so many gifts and talents – how can you share them with a young person in your life?

As you attend high school and college graduations this spring, give thought to getting involved.  Whatever you do, your support will be a huge blessing – to you; to the student(s) you help; and to society!

-Matt Palmer

We celebrated the seniors’ accomplishments at an all-school rally today. Underclassmen will follow in the seniors’ footsteps!

College Acceptances

Already, over sixty schools have accepted at least one of our students. Check out the list below. And our seniors aren’t done yet – acceptances continue to roll in!

Alderson Broaddus University, Ashland University, Bellarmine University, Bethel College,         Bethune-Cookman University, Bowling Green State University, Brown University, California College of the Arts, California State University – San Marcos, Capital University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus State Community College, Dillard University, El Camino Community College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fairfield University, Fort Lewis College, Georgetown College, Hocking College, Indiana Wesleyan University, John Carroll University, Keiser University, Kent State University, Loyola University Chicago, Lynn University, Miami University, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Northwestern University, Notre Dame College, Ohio Dominican University, Ohio University, Ohio University – Branch campuses, Ohio Wesleyan University, Otterbein University, Owens Community College, Point Park University, Providence College, Shawnee State University, Spelman College, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University – Branch campuses, Thiel College, Thomas More College, Tiffin University, Tougaloo College, University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash, University of Dayton, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Memphis, University of New England, University of San Diego, University of Toledo, Ursuline College, Western New England University, West Virginia State University, Wheeling Jesuit University, Wilmington College, Winthrop University, Wittenberg University, Xavier University, Youngstown State University.

Accepted! And ready for new challenges.

Attitude of Gratitude

Our generous community opens so many doors for students. Thank you to these partners who help to make it happen!

The Barbasol Foundation renewed its grant to help defray the cost of educating our students. Thank you for your continued commitment!

A grant from The Wilson Sheehan Foundation will allow several students to attend pre-college enrichment programs across the country. We appreciate the Foundation’s help in expanding our students’ horizons!

Members of the Leadership Columbus Class of 2017 chose Cristo Rey for their community impact project. We appreciate the time and energy they invest in us!

The Catholic Foundation continues to support our growing campus ministry program through its grant. Thank you to the Foundation for enriching our students’ faith experience.

www.cristoreycolumbus.org