By the time he graduated from Cristo Rey New York High School, Gabe Obregon had already participated in three internships—at a law firm and two financial services companies. A first-generation college student, Obregon graduated from UR in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, politics, economics and law. He credits his experience in high school as the catalyst that allowed him to “dream big and apply to a prestigious school.”

Last year, Obregon, became the director for a corporate work-study program at Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park, Maryland, part of the Cristo Rey network of 40 coed Catholic schools across the country, including his own New York high school. His mission: position students for collegiate success.

“I want to be a model for my students that the best way to grow is to be challenged. Coming to UR really helped me to expand my horizons and my ambitions. I was thrown into an environment which was different than what I was used to,” Obregon said. “I really want to emphasize to my students that no matter what your fears are about a new environment, that may be academically or socially challenging, you should never let those fears limit you and your potential.” 

Since 2019, the Cristo Rey school system has been one of the University’s official partners in admissions.

Obregon believes he is the first Cristo Rey graduate to attend the University. “Being from East Harlem in New York City, there was a little bit of culture shock, but it got me to be more confident. My time in Richmond was a great experience for me. I’m proud to be an alumnus of the University and Cristo Rey.”

Obregon currently partners with roughly 170 organizations to place the 400-plus high school students at Cristo Rey in year-long internships. Law firms, hospitals, and congressional offices are among the many employers providing them with the chance to gain invaluable experience, one day a week, for all four years of high school.

“The goal is to give students that opportunity, something to stand out on their resume and help them be competitive as they apply for college,” Obregon said.

Obregon had similar opportunities while at UR. “I was thankful to have been able to receive funds through UR’s Richmond Guarantee to take an unpaid internship in a field that aligned with my major,” he said. “Although, my career today is in a different industry, the wonderful internships I had through Cristo Rey and UR, gave me the experience and confidence I needed to interact with corporate professionals.”  

Said to be the only network of schools registered with the U.S. Department of Labor to offer a work-study program, Cristo Rey serves families with limited financial means, so the jobs also help pay a significant part of the student’s tuition. Through the corporate work-study program, Obregon is responsible for generating close to $3 million in revenue for the 2024-2025 school year. Some internships lead to summer jobs, where the students are paid directly.

Before moving to the Washington area for his current position, Obregon helped launch the Cristo Rey Richmond High School in Virginia, where he served as chief of staff to the president and provided valuable insight as an alum.