The Kitch firm recently signed on to support the new Detroit Cristo Rey High School for the 2008-09 school year — the first law firm to do so.

The school will provide high-quality college prep education for students of low-income families. All students at Cristo Rey will participate in a work study program through which they finance the majority of their tuition and gain real-world job experience.

In this unique program developed by Cristo Rey and implemented across the country, Kitch will pay to the school the equivalent of a single salary. This supports four Cristo Rey students, who will share a clerical-level position (with each student working at least one day per week). The Kitch firm is one of 25 companies to date that have committed to participate.

The Cristo Rey Network is a progressive model with 19 schools operating in urban areas across the country. The schools boast a 98% graduation rate, on average, with 96% of graduates enrolling in college.

John Sier, a principal with the Kitch firm, is a board member of Detroit Cristo Rey, and has been involved with the project since the school’s initial feasibility study.

“We are thrilled to be associated with this institution,” said Sier. “Cristo Rey schools initially viewed the corporation funds simply as a means to support operations. They have since discovered the corporate work experience to be one of the most significant contributors to the success of their students. And companies who participate give high marks to the enthusiastic and dedicated young employees who come to work for them.”

“This is an opportunity for local businesses to support the education and professional training of our future work force. Our investment has both immediate and long-term payoffs,” said Sier. “We think it’s a winning formula for the students, the city, and the Kitch firm.”

The Kitch Firm Partners with Detroit Cristo Rey High School

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