Scholarship Funds
Scholarship Opportunities at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Empowering Students Through Your Generosity
Cristo Rey’s mission is made possible by the generosity of people like you. Whether through a one-time gift, a recurring donation, or the creation of a named scholarship, your support provides critical stability and opportunity for our students and alumni.
Thank you for considering an investment in the future of Cristo Rey students. Together, we are building brighter futures—one student at a time.
Join Us in Transforming Lives
At Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, we are committed to providing a rigorous college preparatory education paired with real-world work experience to students from families with limited financial means. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we can support our students with scholarships and financial aid, college retention support, and more.
Why Your Support Matters
Cristo Rey students work hard—in the classroom, at home, and at their Corporate Work Study jobs. Most students work four full days a month at a professional job site, earning most of the cost of their education, and all families are asked to pay $3,100 in tuition, a figure many cannot afford.
Today, the average income for a Cristo Rey family of five is approximately $41,000, which is half the median household income for the Chicago area. As a result, 95% of Cristo Rey families receive financial assistance, with the average student receiving $2,000 in support.
Your support ensures that no student leaves Cristo Rey due to financial hardship.
Cristo Rey Tuition Scholarship Funds
Cristo Rey Tuition Scholarships allow us to provide financial support for students whose families are unable to meet their full tuition obligation.
Create a Lasting Legacy: Named Tuition Scholarships
You can make a direct and immediate difference by establishing a Named Tuition Scholarship, which provides renewable tuition assistance to Cristo Rey students right away.
Benefits of a Named Scholarship:
- Immediate Impact: Your gift goes to work right away—providing tuition support in the current school year and, when renewable, offering families the peace of mind that their child’s education is secure. Your generosity eases financial stress at home and allows students to fully focus on their studies and future.
- Personal Connection: You’ll have the opportunity to witness your impact firsthand – meeting your scholarship recipient at the annual Scholarship Breakfast and receiving updates throughout the school year allows you to fully realize the difference your generosity makes in their life.
- Tailored Giving: Choose the scholarship name, selection criteria, renewal policy, and level of involvement that reflect your personal values.
Minimum Funding Commitment:
- $3,000/year for 3 years (with a GPA requirement; begins in sophomore year)
- $3,000/year for 4 years (no initial GPA requirement; begins in freshman year)
College Retention Fund
While many of our alumni receive college scholarships and financial aid, unexpected costs—like books, enrollment fees, or a plane ticket home—can derail their journey.
That’s why Cristo Rey created the College Retention Fund, which provides emergency grants to alumni facing financial hardship. Since 2011, we’ve disbursed over $210,000 in targeted aid to over 100 alumni, helping them stay in school and on track toward a degree.
Eligibility:
- Alumni may receive up to $2,500 in lifetime support
- Funds support needs like books, supplies, tuition balances, or housing
- Students apply, meet with staff, and create a plan to overcome future barriers
With your help, we can continue to walk alongside our alumni—ensuring they don’t just start college, but finish it.
To learn more, begin establishing a tuition scholarship,
or donate to the College Retention Fund, please contact:
Cindy Erwin, Vice President of Advancement
(708) 790-5685 | cerwin@cristorey.net