Bill White, former Mayor of Houston and current Texas Gubernatorial Candidate, visited Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston and participated in a student round table discussion with Reverend TJ Martinez, SJ, President of Cristo Rey Jesuit on the school's innovative educational model which includes a mandatory work-study program. In return for working one day per week, students are paid entry-level salaries that cover more than 70 percent of their tuition.

Mayor White expressed his interest in Cristo Rey Jesuit during a phone call to Fr. Martinez in early March. He said that the school was the talk of City Hall before he left office and since then, he has been hearing about the unique program while campaigning throughout the state of Texas. He was especially interested in learning more about the dreams and expectations of these students at Cristo Rey Jesuit --the only college prep school in Houston that exclusively serves students from economically-disadvantaged families.

Mayor White visited an algebra class and spoke of the many uses for math in everyday business decisions.

"What I did not understand when I was studying algebra was what it could be used for," said White. "Within the last 24 hours we used algebra formulas to figure out what the drop-out rate was in Texas."

He went on to tell one student, who works at Spectra Energy, how math equations are used to find oil.

During the round table discussion, students shared with White their experiences working in corporate offices throughout the city of Houston. He asked what their friends at other schools thought about their work experience, what difficulties they had during the first days of work and what type of assignments they are entrusted with at the office.

Fr. Martinez and Mayor White discussed the importance of Cristo Rey Jesuit in the Houston community, not only for students in need but also for businesses who are looking to invest in the future of Houston--and the future of students at Cristo Rey Jesuit.

"Mayor White's passion for education comes not only from his ability to create change in the community, but also from a more personal level as both his parents were teachers," said Fr. Martinez. "We are very blessed that he would share his passion with us as we work to transform education for economically disadvantaged youth."