380 ninth, tenth and eleventh-grade students from Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School in Midtown Atlanta gathered alongside corporate executives from the Atlanta business community to participate in "Draft Day." Representatives from companies such as Alston & Bird, Cushman & Wakefield, Emory Hospital, Southern Company and UPS, Inc., along with many other top Atlanta businesses "drafted" a team of four students to work an entry-level job at the company in the upcoming school year as part of the school's innovative Corporate Work Study Program.

Hosted by Russ Spencer of Fox 5 News, "Draft Day" took place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 19th at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center located at 800 Spring Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Through Cristo Rey's innovative Corporate Work Study Program students carry a full load of classes and work five full days a month in a corporate work setting. Students' earnings cover the majority of tuition for their rigorous college-prep education at Cristo Rey Atlanta. Please click here for a complete list of Job Partners.  

"We are in year 3 and thrilled at the ongoing support of the Atlanta business community," said Bill Garrett, President Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School.  "We now have 101 companies, some new along with many returning, and all impressed with the caliber of commitment and dedication our students show while at work. The lessons our students learn from working in a corporate setting simply can't be replicated in the classroom. Our job partners and their employees are able to participate in an effort that truly changes the lives of our students. It is a win-win for everyone."

Much like the excitement of a traditional sports draft day, students met their corporate partners who will be a critical part of their high school experience.  Teams of four students were drafted by a corporate partner and the students were called up to the stage to receive their company tee shirt and hat, as well as take a photo with a company executive. 

"GE is proud to once again partner with Cristo Rey Atlanta. We are committed to providing these students with an opportunity to change their circumstances," said James Kaveney, GM – Global Operations, GE's Power Services business. "Last year, our first year as a job partner, we could clearly see the benefit of this partnership and committed to two teams of students. This year, we are growing the partnership and committing to three teams. The Cristo Rey students are hard-working, inquisitive and willing to learn. In turn, our employees enjoy serving the Atlanta community in a hands-on way."

Students started school August 8th, participating in sessions at the school's own Business Training Institute (BTI) in preparation for their upcoming business placement.  Regular classes and Corporate Work Study begins September 7th.