Programs like the DePaul Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program help students, companies and the region
By Brendon Cull, President & CEO, Cincinnati Regional Chamber
As president and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary value the DePaul Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program brings to an organization. Our involvement in this program has been both an honor and a strategic commitment. The chamber recognizes the importance of nurturing a pipeline of young and diverse talent who will contribute to the growth and long-term success of our region.
We’ve worked with more than a dozen DPCR students over the years. Just last year, one of our first student workers was back visiting my colleague, Laurette, thanking her for the mentorship and guidance she provided more than 10 years ago. That student’s path was changed by her time at the chamber.
The power of the program lies in its ability to shape the future workforce while simultaneously providing students with a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. The program equips students with skills that extend beyond textbooks and classrooms, preparing them for the very real challenges of the professional world. The skills they acquire during their work-study experiences transcend individual success; they contribute to the collective strength and future of our region.
DePaul Cristo Rey’s dedication to providing opportunities for those with limited financial means speaks volumes about their commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking the cycle of generational poverty. This aligns seamlessly with our vision of a vibrant and prosperous Cincinnati region where everyone belongs.
I’m happy to celebrate what this program has brought to the chamber, but you should know there is an imperative for new placements. The demand for young, diverse talent continues to grow, and as business leaders, it is on all of us to open our doors and embrace the opportunity to shape (and be shaped by) the future workforce. By partnering with DePaul Cristo Rey, your team gains valuable team support, and you help the organization serve more students in our community.
The impact of this program is not just measured in economic terms; it is measured in lives changed, futures secured and communities uplifted. Participating in the DePaul Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program is believing in the promise of our youth. A promise we must collectively buy into for the growth of our region.
Ten years from now, one of the DePaul Cristo Rey students you host will be back to see you, too—with a story of a changed life. You can count on it. ■
Brendon Cull is the president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. He is also a board member of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) and is the president of the Board of the Mercantile Library. He currently serves on the boards of ArtsWave, Visit Cincy, Cincinnati Compass and Xavier University’s Williams College of Business, and is an elected member of Clifton Town Meeting.
DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Corporate Work Study Program equips students with skills for the future.
