Day & Zimmermann is proud to share that we are celebrating eight years of partnership with Cristo Rey Philadelphia! Cristo Rey Philadelphia is a new model of a college preparatory school that opened in 2012 because of a unique partnership of local educators, businesses and universities. This year, four students are participating in the work study program with us: two sophomores, one junior, one senior.
Year after year, our employees continue to donate their time and resources to programs like the Cristo Rey program. Our 2023 Cristo Rey supervisors are Greg Clifton, Jennifer Genay, Rebecca Donovan and Onnie Escobar.
Every Cristo Rey Philadelphia student works one day per week at a leading Philadelphia area business through this innovative Work-Study Program. The wages they earn at their job fund a substantial portion of the cost of their education, and students learn and practice critical social and workplace readiness skills.
The Work-Study Program allows motivated and talented students from underprivileged communities the ability to gain a quality education and invaluable work experience in preparation for college.
Benefits to Students
- Learn and practice valuable life skills, including communication and workplace readiness skills
- Gain confidence, self-esteem and ambition
- Receive real work experience and exposure to different industries, fields and career opportunities
Benefits to Partners
- Mentor and develop a skilled, committed future workforce of Philadelphia
- Accomplish work with eager and reliable students at a reasonable cost
- Build a sense of constructive civic engagement and camaraderie among employees
In previous years, Cristo Rey students have contributed to Day & Zimmermann by assisting with hiring and recruitment, social media, accounting and event planning. They learn the ins and outs of the hiring process by reviewing resumes, reviewing candidates on job boards, contacting candidates to schedule interviews, sourcing prospective candidates and attending hiring meetings.
In addition, students also prepare pieces for the Company blog, update website content, organize invoices, prepare agent reports, analyze and organize data in Microsoft Excel, draft and send verification letters, and digitalize apportionment binders.
A Catholic school for students of all faiths, Cristo Rey nurtures and challenges young people to recognize and realize their full potential as they learn to love others, grow in their faiths, and serve the common good.
Cristo Rey provides motivated and talented students from underserved communities the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Because of this experience, in the classroom and at the office, 100% of their graduates have been admitted to a four-year college or university!
The work-study program has been a very positive and valuable experience, for both Cristo Rey and Day & Zimmermann. It has been a great way for D&Z to get involved in the local community and make a difference in the lives of young adults. We are proud to celebrate our eighth year with Cristo Rey, and we look forward to the success this partnership will continue to bring!