One of the most rewarding aspects of the Corporate Work Study Program is watching our 9th graders take their first steps into the professional world. For many students, their first day at work is filled with excitement, curiosity, and a few nerves. Thanks to the guidance and encouragement of dedicated workplace mentors, those first experiences quickly become opportunities for confidence, growth, and discovery.
Mentoring a 9th grader is a dynamic and rewarding experience. It means helping a young person navigate a professional environment, build workplace skills, and develop the confidence to ask questions, solve problems, and contribute as a valued member of the team. In return, mentors often gain a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and the satisfaction of watching a student grow throughout the year.
Three of our Corporate Work Study partners recently embraced the opportunity to mentor a Cristo Rey De La Salle 9th grader and shared what the experience has meant to them. Their stories highlight the powerful impact of investing in young people and demonstrate how meaningful mentorship creates lasting benefits for both students and the workplace.
Partner Spotlight: Prologis Team Reflects on Freshman-Year Success
The team at Prologis, Collin Moosman, Max Igwe, Timor Shah Rasooli, and Roy Romero, entered their partnership with Cristo Rey De La Salle unsure of what to expect from working with a 14-year-old freshman. What they discovered was a student eager to learn, contribute, and grow.
Throughout the year, Eli gained exposure to the industrial real estate industry while working on innovative projects focused on artificial intelligence and workplace efficiency. One project explored ways to streamline employee mileage reimbursement through a custom GPT tool, while another involved creating an AI-powered resource that summarizes news and trends impacting the Bay Area logistics real estate market.
The Prologis team was particularly impressed by Eli’s curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. As the year progressed, they witnessed significant growth in his confidence, communication abilities, and professionalism. Through presentations, collaborative projects, and regular workplace interactions, Eli developed the ability to apply new knowledge to real-world challenges and communicate his ideas effectively.
“Eli has been an outstanding addition to our team,” shared the Prologis supervisors. “His willingness to learn, ask questions, and embrace new challenges has been exciting to watch.”
For Prologis, partnering with Cristo Rey aligns closely with the company’s commitment to workforce development, community engagement, and creating opportunities for future leaders. By providing students with meaningful work experience, mentorship, and exposure to professional environments, the company helps strengthen local talent pipelines while investing in the future of the Bay Area.
The team believes that giving students access to professional opportunities at an early age can have a lasting impact, not only on individual students, but on the broader community as well. Their experience with Eli demonstrated the tremendous potential young people have when trusted with meaningful responsibilities and supported by caring mentors.
Student Spotlight: Jennifer’s Freshman-Year Journey at Catholic Charities East Bay
We recently sat down with Jennifer a 9th grader student and her CWSP supervisor and program champions Dr.Lisa Carlisle, Chief Program Officer, and Ms. Nikki Brighouse, Program Specialist. ( pictured below with Jennifer)
As a freshman in Cristo Rey De La Salle’s Corporate Work Study Program, Jennifer has spent the year gaining hands-on experience while making meaningful contributions at Catholic Charities East Bay.
Throughout the year, Jennifer supported a variety of projects, including preparing materials for events, organizing databases, assisting staff with administrative projects, and helping with community outreach efforts such as the Joy Bells holiday program. She quickly became known for her willingness to help wherever needed and her ability to stay organized and thorough in her work.
One of Jennifer’s most impactful experiences was assisting at the front desk, where she used her bilingual skills to help translate and communicate with clients. These interactions allowed her to build confidence, make cultural connections, and see firsthand how Catholic Charities serves individuals and families throughout the community.
Jennifer also had opportunities to learn about different career paths through her work experience. Exposure to different areas of work gave her understanding of professional opportunities while helping her develop valuable workplace skills.
Over the course of the year, Jennifer grew significantly in her communication, time management, and professional skills. Like many freshmen balancing school, extracurricular activities, family responsibilities, and work, she learned how to manage competing priorities and overcome procrastination. Her supervisors noted that she thrives when working on hands-on projects and approaches assignments with care and dedication.
What impressed her supervisors Dr. Lisa and Ms. Nikki most was Jennifer’s eagerness to learn and her commitment to meaningful work. Whether helping staff prepare for events, supporting clients, or completing project-based assignments, she consistently demonstrated professionalism and a strong desire to contribute.
Jennifer’s experience at Catholic Charities East Bay reflects the power of the Corporate Work Study Program: giving students real-world opportunities to develop confidence, discover their strengths, and begin exploring the many paths available to them in college, careers, and beyond.
Penumbra Invests in the Next Generation
At Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School, our Corporate Work Study Program thrives because of dedicated partners who believe in the potential of our students. This month, we checked in with Tiffany Balthazar, Talent Coordinator, and Tammy Watts, Recruiting Director at Penumbra about their experience mentoring freshman students and why they continue to support our mission.
What inspired Penumbra to become involved with Cristo Rey De La Salle?
“Our organization is committed to developing early talent and building stronger connections within the Oakland community. What inspired us most about Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program is its unique model—providing students with meaningful, hands-on workplace experience while they pursue their education. It’s a powerful opportunity to invest in future talent while making a real impact.”
What were your initial thoughts about working with a 14- or 15-year-old freshman student?
“Initially, we wondered how ready a freshman would be for a professional environment and what level of support they would need. Those concerns quickly disappeared once we saw their eagerness to learn, adaptability, and professionalism. With guidance and structure, these students rise to the occasion and often exceed expectations.”
How have Cristo Rey students contributed to your team?
Students at Penumbra have supported a variety of administrative and operational projects, including assisting with weekly job fairs, data entry, organizing materials, preparing workspaces, and project coordination.
“One student helped streamline a tracking system for candidate information, improving organization and saving our team valuable time. Their attention to detail made a noticeable impact on our efficiency.”
What growth have you seen in your student workers?
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in communication, time management, accountability, and confidence. Many students begin the year understandably reserved, but over time they become more proactive, ask thoughtful questions, and take initiative. Watching that transformation—especially in how they carry themselves professionally—has been incredibly rewarding.”
How have Cristo Rey students impacted your workplace culture?
“Cristo Rey students bring positive energy and fresh perspectives to the workplace. Their curiosity and enthusiasm often re-energize our teams and reinforce a culture of mentorship and collaboration. They remind our staff of the importance of investing in others and giving back.”
Preparing Future Bay Area Leaders
When asked what skills students are developing that will benefit them in college and future careers, Tiffany and Tammy pointed to professionalism, adaptability, critical thinking, and communication.
“These students are gaining early exposure to workplace expectations and building confidence that will serve them well throughout their educational and professional journeys.”
Supporting the Oakland Community
“Mentoring these students allows us to play a direct role in shaping future leaders. By providing real-world experience, guidance, and encouragement, we are helping students build both skills and confidence. This investment strengthens not only the individual student but also the broader Oakland community by creating more pathways to opportunity.”
Why Become a Corporate Work Study Partner?
Tiffany and Tammy offer a simple message to organizations considering partnership:
“Get involved. The impact goes both ways. You’re not only helping students gain valuable experience, but your team also benefits from their energy, perspective, and contributions. It’s a meaningful and worthwhile investment.”
A Hope for the Future
“My hope is that Cristo Rey students continue to build confidence, stay curious, and recognize their potential. With the foundation they are developing now, I believe they will go on to achieve great success and become leaders who positively impact their communities.”
We are grateful to Tiffany, Tammy, and the entire Penumbra team for investing in our students and helping prepare the future leaders of the Bay Area through the Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program.