Arrupe Jesuit High School

THE CHALLENGE

Since 2003, Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver has offered a unique and rigorous Catholic, college preparatory educational experience. As part of the Cristo Rey Network of Jesuit schools, Arrupe offers a special focus for underprivileged students with limited economic resources. At a turning point for the school’s future and mission, school leaders began an ambitious and comprehensive capital campaign to expand the school’s reach.

THE VISION

Arrupe leadership set benchmarks for growth over a five-year period that included increased enrollment, more work-study partnerships and more alumni obtaining college degrees. To achieve these benchmarks, the Lead the Way campaign aimed to:

• Expand the school’s campus, including the construction of 25,000-square-foot addition.
• Renovate the existing campus.
• Establish the Loyola Mission Fund, which would expand faith formation and enhance the work-study program.
• Grow the endowment.

THE SOLUTION

Sharing Arrupe Jesuit’s tremendous story with donors in the Denver area proved to be the backbone of this campaign. The average Arrupe family’s annual income is just above half of the Denver self sufficiency standard, which sets the livable wage mark for a family of four. Nationally, only 13% of students like those at Arrupe obtain a college degree. But 50% of Arrupe grads have obtained a degree. This is a testament to the school’s Jesuit tradition and unique work-study model. Campaign communications emphasized the impact that the Cristo Rey model had on improving the lives of Arrupe students and how supporting the campaign would only enhance the school’s ability to serve its students. Additionally, a strong challenge gift from a donor presented a perfect opportunity to engage the school’s alumni in the campaign. The community rallied to support this worthy endeavor, raising more than $37 million for the future of Arrupe Jesuit students.