Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School (Cristo Rey OKC)

PROJECT PURPOSE

Cristo Rey OKC proposes a public-private partnership, leveraging $15 million in public funding with matching private dollars, for construction of a permanent campus for students of limited economic means in grades 9-12. CROKC is part of a proven national model transforming outcomes exclusively for underserved students, 90% of whom are students of color. Through extensive classroom support and unique Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), 100% will be accepted to college. They are twice as likely as their economic peers to complete a degree, and 90% will be the first in their families to do so. Through CWSP earned revenue, this is delivered to families for<$100/month/avg. But the pandemic decimated CWSP revenue (30% reduction)?and the campus growth plans based on that revenue?when job partners went remote or scaled back spending. Without these partners, enrollment dropped. Further, our current makeshift space on the OSU-OKC campus is cramped, and does not allow us to grow to target enrollment levels given social distancing. With a permanent, larger home with true college preparatory facilities (science lab, library), CROKC could aid the state?s recovery and serve 350 students annually with the ?hand up? it takes to obtain degrees and change their trajectories.

EVIDENCE

In nearby public schools, less than 10% of students are on track for college (OKCPS, 2018), and less than one-third of OKC residents hold a four-year degree (US Census, 2010). The Cristo Rey model has more than 25 years of proven success in supporting 90%+ of its economically disadvantaged students to enroll in college. Investing in CROKC?s growth means more underserved students earning bachelor?s degrees and economic strength for Oklahoma: degree holders earn nearly $25,000 more annually than non-degree holders, pay $7,000 more in taxes each year, and face half as much unemployment (College Board, 2019).

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The families we serve are largely (80%) Hispanic, 57% ESL, 100% ?low-income,? and 83% free/ reduced lunch. These families have faced higher incidences of unemployment, furloughs, adverse health outcomes, and more. Even prior, U.S. Hispanic families held 1/5 as much wealth as white families (SCF, 2019) and were disproportionately less likely to obtain a degree (College Board, 2019). Many CROKC families have multi-generational homes or other health risk factors, and have hesitated to allow students to attend school in-person, further impacting enrollment. Our families enthusiastically support their children in attending college, but 90% don?t hold degrees and lack institutional experience needed to guide them. CROKC compensates for this through its innovative Work Study Program, in which students receive mentorship/exposure to professional career paths. Our college guidance department supports families in admissions and financial aid; alumni receive continued guidance through college.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Cristo Rey OKC?s President will monitor the timeline and report progress. Project performance will be measured against a timeline with key benchmarks, e.g., site selection and securement, request for bids, contractor selection, architectural design approval, groundbreaking, finishing, etc. Program impact will be measured through school operations and performance data that the Cristo Rey Network annually collects, analyzes, and reports as part of the Network?s annual Mission Effectiveness Review. This data includes information relevant to ARPA reporting, e.g., number of students served; family income; race/ethnicity; and student academic gains, retention, college application and enrollment.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding