The Conrad Prebys Foundation awarded Cristo Rey San Diego High School a $150,000 grant to support its innovative educational model that serves low-income families.
The funds will be used to hire additional faculty, according to a press release issued by the school on March 23.
The school, located on the grounds of St. Jude Parish, offers a rigorous education coupled with professional work experience. It is part of the respected network of 37 non-profit Cristo Rey schools operating nationwide, including six in California.
The school began its inaugural year in San Diego in August, welcoming a freshman class of 62 students. They take college-prep classes and once a week work at the offices of the school’s corporate partners, which include hospitals, real estate firms, non-profit organizations and law firms.
The school is accepting applications for students who will be entering the 9th and 10th grades next academic year. The goal is for the school to have a total of 160 students.
“The grant allows us to hire the additional teachers needed as the school more than doubles in size,” said Robert Nascenzi, the school’s founding president.
Families pay an average of $70 per month for a Catholic education that offers valuable work experience.
“The pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by our region’s youth, and the foundation is incredibly grateful to be able to support numerous nonprofits as they provide inspiration and essential services to children in our region over the coming months and beyond,” said Erin Decker, director of grantmaking for the Prebys Foundation, according the school announcement of the grant.
More information is available at cristoreysandiego.org or by phoning (619) 619-432-1899.
