Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep last week said that it was the beneficiary of a “generous charitable grant” from Bank of America.
The school didn’t disclose the sum, only saying that “Bank of America has directed grant funding to Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep to address key challenges and advance its mission of empowering students to reach their full potential.”
The grant will enable Cristo Rey Fort Worth to expand its programs and initiatives, directly impacting the lives of the 230 students and 88 alumni, the school said.
“For years, Bank of America has been a valued partner in our mission to provide quality education and opportunities to underserved youth," said Dani Ray Barton, Cristo Rey interim president, in a statement. “This grant represents a significant step forward in our shared goal of breaking down barriers and creating a brighter future for our students and their families.”
Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become "men and women of faith, purpose, and service."
Cristo Rey came to Fort Worth at the invitation of Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth.
Cristo Rey’s work-study model involves local business and corporate partners, which cover about 50% of the tuition to the school through a sponsorship of students they select to come work for them one day a week throughout the school year. The students’ work at the companies that earn their tuition while gaining real-life experience.
According to Cristo Rey Fort Worth, the network partners with more than 3,200 businesses nationwide, including 70 and counting in Fort Worth.
The balance of tuition is paid through the school’s development efforts and the students’ families. Parents are required to pay something, though it’s based on a sliding scale. Families with higher incomes play more than those with lower incomes.
Bank of America and Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep’s partnership began in 2020.
“We are thrilled to continue our journey with Bank of America, amplifying the impact we can achieve together,” Barton added. “This partnership demonstrates the collective strength of our organizations in effecting meaningful change, and we look forward to building on our shared successes.”
Said Mike Pavell, Bank of America Fort Worth president: “Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep’s dedication to educational equity and career preparedness resonates with who we are at Bank of America. Our commitment to workforce development and education begins in our schools. It is rewarding to partner with Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep to help ensure our youth are prepared to succeed and have the tools they need to thrive in college and beyond.”