This fall, we are celebrating a special milestone: 10 years of partnership with Care Synergy.
Arrupe Jesuit combines classroom education with real-world work experience, giving students the opportunity to learn, earn, and prepare for their futures at the same time. This past spring, our Class of 2026 showed exactly what that looks like: 94 graduates, a 100% college acceptance rate, placements at 22 colleges and universities across the country, and over $31 million in scholarships earned. 90% of those students will be the first in their families to attend a college or university of their choosing. From the University of Notre Dame and the University of Denver to Colorado School of Mines and Gonzaga, our graduates are heading everywhere, and they are ready.
Since 2016, Arrupe students have worked in support roles across Care Synergy and its affiliates while earning money through our Corporate Work Study Program to help pay for their education.
"Workforce challenges are real across the healthcare industry," said Tricia Ford, Care Synergy CEO Elect and COO. "We have the opportunity to introduce students to meaningful careers, build relationships over time and develop future employees who already understand our culture and expectations."
For a decade, this partnership has created opportunities, strengthened our community, and helped our young people discover what they are capable of achieving.
One of those students is Connor Kelly, an Arrupe junior who began an internship in Care Synergy's Information Technology department in late August. Connor's first assignment has involved helping Care Synergy recycle its landline phones — tracking the devices in a database and removing software from them. As he gains experience, the IT team plans to give him additional responsibilities, including handling IT Help Desk requests for employees across the Care Synergy enterprise.
Even in his first few weeks, Connor has already learned lessons that go far beyond technology.
"I have learned what it means to be in an office," he said. "I'm surprised by how much responsibility I've already been given. It's been a lot of fun."
Chris Freeburg, Executive Director of Arrupe Jesuit's Corporate Work Study Program, sees exactly what that experience means for Connor's future. "Connor told us he wanted to work in technology, and Care Synergy gave him the chance to do real IT work in a professional setting. Healthcare needs more than doctors and nurses — it needs IT, finance, and operations professionals who keep everything running. Connor is learning that firsthand. The habits he builds here, like owning his work and showing up ready for his team, will carry him into any career he chooses."
Connor's experience illustrates exactly what makes this partnership so meaningful. It gives our students the opportunity to develop real skills, take on real responsibility, and begin imagining what their futures might look like — while giving Care Synergy the opportunity to invest in the next generation of their workforce.
After 10 years, our partnership with Care Synergy remains a powerful reminder of what it looks like when a business truly invests in the community it serves. It means opening doors. Creating opportunities. Believing in young people. And helping build a stronger future for Colorado.
We are deeply grateful for Care Synergy's continued commitment to our students and our mission. Here's to the next 10 years.
