At Arrupe Jesuit High School, our Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) provides students with invaluable hands-on experience while building meaningful partnerships with organizations that align with our mission. One of those partners is the Denver Public Library (DPL)—a vibrant, community-focused institution committed to learning, inclusion, and public service. We spoke with MJ Petersen, Volunteer Services Administrator at DPL, to learn more about the employer’s perspective and how this collaboration is helping students grow while supporting the library’s work across departments.
How do Arrupe students contribute to your team?
At DPL, Mari and Reyna have supported a variety of initiatives, primarily through our Volunteer Services department. Their work has touched multiple facets of our day-to-day operations, and they’ve added real value along the way. They’ve prepared reopening materials for volunteers, organized inventory and supplies, researched volunteer programs in other cities, and contributed written articles to our internal intranet site.
In addition, they have supported partnership and communications work for the Communications & Community Engagement team, as well as supporting public service operations, working weekly in the Central Library’s Teen Library developing book displays and providing support for programs and events.
Why did Denver Public Library choose to partner with Arrupe Jesuit’s Corporate Work Study Program?
We chose to partner with Arrupe to support youth employment and to provide high school students with an inside look at how volunteer programs operate within large institutions like DPL. We saw it as a chance to invest in future professionals while giving them practical experience in a public service-focused environment.
How has working with Arrupe students impacted your team or workplace culture?
Having our Arrupe students, Mari and Reyna, in the office has been such a positive experience for our entire team. They’ve contributed in meaningful ways, regularly attend our staff meetings, and have truly become part of the broader DPL community. It’s been exciting to share with them the many facets of working for the Denver Public Library.
Participating in this program has allowed our team to share their passion for library work and engage in meaningful mentorship. Mari and Reyna have contributed in tangible ways to our projects, and their presence has helped energize our team’s day-to-day work.
What kind of growth have you seen in the students since they began?
Both students have shown impressive growth in their confidence, technical skills, and ability to take initiative. They've become more independent, more comfortable making decisions within their roles, and recently demonstrated strong public speaking skills by presenting their work to the Communications & Community Engagement staff.
How does this partnership align with Denver Public Library’s mission and values?
Our mission is: “Together, we create welcoming spaces where all are free to explore and connect.” This partnership truly embodies the mission. Mari and Reyna have been able to explore their interests, connect with professionals, and contribute in meaningful ways. We also hope they leave this experience with a lasting appreciation for all that public libraries have to offer their communities.
This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when community institutions invest in young people — both grow stronger, together.
We are deeply grateful to the Denver Public Library team for their openness, mentorship, and belief in the potential of our students. Partnerships like this are what make the Corporate Work Study Program not just possible, but transformational.
If you’d like to learn more about how you or your organization can support the CWSP program at Arrupe Jesuit, please visit https://arrupejesuit.com/corporate-work-study-program/ Together, we’re shaping futures—one student at a time.
