For students, some of the most valuable lessons can happen outside the classroom. Through American Fidelity’s partnership with Cristo Rey, students step into a professional workplace, gain hands-on experience and begin building skills they can carry into the future.
American Fidelity began participating in the Cristo Rey program during the 2018-19 school year and has since welcomed 32 students. Through the program, students have an opportunity to experience the workplace firsthand while continuing their education.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Spending time in a professional environment gives students a chance to see what day-to-day work looks like, connect with Colleagues and gain hands-on experience they can build on as they begin thinking about their future careers.
Those experiences can make an impression that lasts well beyond high school. One past Cristo Rey intern who later returned to American Fidelity shared what brought them back to AF:
“What made me want to come back was the community. Everyone is willing to help, not just with work but outside of work too.”
That sense of community is an important part of the experience for Colleagues, too. Welcoming Cristo Rey students gives Colleagues an opportunity to share their knowledge, build new connections and play a part in helping students grow personally and professionally.
It’s also one example of the community involvement that makes American Fidelity a great place to work. Programs like Cristo Rey give Colleagues opportunities to make an impact beyond their everyday roles while helping strengthen connections within the communities where we live and work.
Building Experience for the Future
For students who are beginning to think about life after high school, exposure to a professional environment can provide a valuable look at the possibilities ahead.
At American Fidelity, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Cristo Rey and create opportunities for students to connect with Colleagues and gain workplace experience while still in high school. At the same time, the program gives our Colleagues another way to give back, share what they’ve learned and support the next generation.
As each new group of students joins us, we look forward to being one small part of their continued growth and future success.
