For the fourth year now, Hendrick Inc. has reaffirmed its commitment to aiding children and families in the Metro Atlanta area. They joined over 120 Atlanta companies on August 18 for Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School's Annual Draft Day. This event "drafted" teams of four high school students who will serve as entry-level employees throughout the upcoming school year via Cristo Rey's Corporate Work Study Program.
Cristo Rey Atlanta is a private high school dedicated to providing a comprehensive college-preparatory education to underserved students. What sets it apart is its innovative approach: instead of traditional tuition, students work one day a week at partner companies, covering 60% of their education costs. This model tackles education, access, and opportunity barriers faced by students with limited financial resources. Partners like Hendrick offer these students valuable job experience through the Corporate Work Study Program, equipping them with real-world skills for future career success.
When students participate in Draft Day with Hendrick, they embark on a holistic journey within this commercial design firm. Throughout their tenure, they shadow experienced design professionals, contribute to presentations, aid in material and finish selection for projects, attend in-house Continuing Education Units (CEU) sessions, engage in discussions with industry experts, and assist with daily work routines. This immersive experience delves into Hendrick's design philosophy, emphasizing social and sustainable responsibility, innovation, and a human-centric approach in their daily practices.
“Participating in Draft Day allows the Hendrick team to introduce careers in architecture and interior design to students who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity otherwise,” said Meggan Sandoval, Hendrick principal of marketing. “As we collectively continue to work to diversify this industry, spending time with the next generation of design professionals is imperative. We see our participation with Cristo Rey as a mutually beneficial relationship where we are fortunate to mentor and teach the next generation of young professionals and have the unparalleled opportunity to also learn more about these incredible students.”
Draft Day represents a significant initiative for Hendrick, but it's just one facet of our commitment to the Atlanta community. At the core of Hendrick's identity is a dedication to corporate giving and personal involvement in various philanthropic organizations, industry groups, and private initiatives.
