CRISTO REY MIAMI HIGH SCHOOL AND OCEAN BANK PARTNER FOR STUDENT SUCESS

Cristo Rey Miami High School and Ocean Bank Partner for Student Success

Cristo Rey Miami High School, South Florida’s only college-and-career preparatory high school exclusively serving students from families with limited economic resources, is proud to announce Ocean Bank has committed significantly to Cristo Rey Miami’s capital campaign, with a gift/pledge of $100,000.

The bank also hired a student team for the 2024-2025 Corporate Work Study Program and sponsored four students through the school’s Scholars’ Circle.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ocean Bank as a key partner in our mission to provide exceptional educational and professional experiences to our students. Their multifaceted support will not only enhance our facilities and programs but also ensure that more families in our community can benefit from the unique opportunities Cristo Rey Miami offers,” said Amelie Ferro, President and CEO of Cristo Rey Miami High School.

“Ocean Bank has a resolute commitment to education. We strongly support the mission of Cristo Rey High School and look forward to the positive impact our collaboration with the school will have on youth in our community,” said Agostinho Alfonso Macedo, President, Chairman and CEO of Ocean Bank.

Ocean Bank’s contribution to Cristo Rey Miami’s “Built for the Future” capital campaign will be recognized through a naming opportunity for the Ocean Bank Student Recruitment Center. The center will serve as the hub for enrolling new students, offering resources and support to guide prospective families through the admissions process and contributing significantly to the growth of the school and its ability to serve more families in our community.

In addition to supporting the school’s capital campaign, Ocean Bank joins more than 50 leading businesses in our community who participate in Cristo Rey Miami’s Corporate Work Study Program, hiring a team of students for the 2023-24 school year. Through the school's Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), every student takes a full load of college preparatory coursework and also participates five days per month in the CWSP, working in a team of four to fulfill an entry-level, full-time equivalent position.

At Ocean Bank, students participating in the CWSP will engage in basic teller functions such as handling transactions, assisting customers, and managing cash. Additionally, they will gain exposure to entry-level banking tasks like account maintenance and financial record keeping.

The CWSP enables students to earn and pay for more than half of their tuition, gain professional work experience, cultivate a strong network of professional relationships, and realize the relevance of higher education to achieve career goals. This comprehensive approach not only prepares students for college but also empowers them to excel professionally post-graduation.

Ocean Bank has also joined Cristo Rey Miami’s Scholars’ Circle, supporting academic, professional, and personal excellence at our school. Their gift will bridge the annual financial gap for four students, ensuring access to our innovative high school combining rigorous academics with four years of professional work experience.

About Cristo Rey Miami
In July 2022, Cristo Rey Miami High School opened in North Miami and will serve over 400 students by 2025 across 9th-12th grades. Cristo Rey Miami is the 39th member of a nationwide network of private, Catholic schools utilizing an innovative educational model that combines rigorous academics with professional work experience. It is the only college-and-career preparatory high school in Miami exclusively providing hard-working students from families with limited resources a clear pathway through education to economic success. For the 2023-24 school year, Cristo Rey Miami welcomed a second class, increasing to 146 total enrollments across the 9th and 10th grades.

Cristo Rey Miami prepares students to enter and graduate from college by providing transformative learning opportunities both in the classroom and in corporate offices across Miami. A key element to the curriculum is the four-year, integrated Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). Beginning freshman year, every student takes a full load of college preparatory coursework while also working five days each month in a professional office setting.

The CWSP enables students to earn and pay for more than half of their tuition, gain professional work experience, cultivate a strong network of relationships, and realize the relevance of higher education to career goals.

The Cristo Rey model has proven highly successful, graduating 25,800 students nationwide. Cristo Rey students enroll in college at higher rates than high- and low-income populations and earn a bachelor's degree at twice the rate of their peers. 

For more information on Cristo Rey Miami High School, please visit www.cristoreymiami.org.