St. John’s Joins with Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School and Student Sponsor Partners in New Workforce Development Initiative for NYC Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
James Stephen Smith
Director of Media Relations 
St. John’s University 
516-313-4568, 718-990-5789 
[email protected]

(QUEENS, NY, October 7, 2025) — St. John’s University, Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School, and Student Sponsor Partners today announced a groundbreaking workforce development initiative¬—InsureFutures—that will provide 20 Cristo Rey Brooklyn students with paid work-study experiences at leading insurance companies across New York City. The three organizations and insurance industry partners will mark the launch of the InsureFutures program at St. John’s University’s Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science on October 29, 2025. 

This partnership, generously supported by philanthropist William J. Janetschek ’84CBA, ’17HON, Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and retired Partner and Chief Financial Officer, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., and Student Sponsor Partners, is designed to strengthen the education-to-career pipeline for students and address the need for workforce diversification in the insurance industry. By gaining early exposure to professional opportunities in the industry, high school students receive on-the-job training, mentorship, access to professional networks, leadership development, and education and career pathways that foster lifelong success. 

“Cristo Rey Brooklyn students work hard to balance rigorous academics with real-world job placements,” said Michael Motyl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cristo Rey Brooklyn. “This program expands access to an entire career field for young people who might not otherwise see themselves represented there.” 

At the heart of the partnership is a dual focus on college access and career readiness. Students in the program will receive priority consideration for admission to St. John’s Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science, positioning them for careers in the growing insurance and risk management fields. 

“This initiative embodies our mission to use education as a bridge to opportunity,” said Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, where the Greenberg School is housed. “We are honored to work alongside Cristo Rey Brooklyn and Student Sponsor Partners to open doors for talented students while shaping the future of the insurance profession.” 

Mr. Janetschek, a longtime supporter of all three organizations, brought them together to envision and launch InsureFutures. Student work-study placements are hosted by leading insurance companies across New York City, including AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc.; AXA XL; Chubb; Everest Group, Ltd.; Marsh; Starr; The Hartford; The Travelers Companies, Inc.; and Vantage Risk, with the goal of students continuing the insurance pathway at St. John’s University and into their future careers. 

“Our participation in InsureFutures is an investment in our next-generation workforce, ensuring that students will develop the skills to succeed, while providing them with the kind of hands-on, real-world experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom,” said Jeffrey W. Greenberg, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Starr, a global investment and insurance organization. “Students will have the opportunity to apply their skills, problem-solve alongside our team, and gain invaluable, career-focused knowledge.” 

“We are deeply grateful to Bill Janetschek and our partner insurance firms for helping us create meaningful opportunities for students who deserve them,” said Debra De Jesus-Vizzi, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director of Student Sponsor Partners. “We have had longstanding partnerships with Cristo Rey Brooklyn and St. John’s University and are excited to create an even greater impact for New York City students by collaborating with them on the InsureFutures initiative.” 

• What: Launch of the InsureFutures initiative between St. John’s University, Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School, and Student Sponsor Partners
• When: Wednesday, October 29, at 8:30 a.m.
• Where: Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science, 101 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003

Leaders from the three initiative partners will be present and available to answer questions, along with participating students and representatives from AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc.; AXA XL; Chubb; Everest Group, Ltd.; Marsh; Starr; The Hartford; The Travelers Companies, Inc.; and Vantage Risk.

About the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science

The Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science was founded in 1901 as the Insurance Society of New York and over the years evolved into The College of Insurance (TCI). In June 2001, TCI merged with St. John’s University, becoming part of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. 

From its location at 101 Astor Place in Manhattan’s East Village, St. John’s awards undergraduate; M.B.A.; and M.S. degrees in the insurance, risk management, and actuarial science disciplines. Through its Tobin Center for Executive Education, the University provides education, training, and consulting services to industry, governments, and regulators worldwide. 

The Greenberg School is a global leader in risk and insurance education and training and draws candidates from many regions of the world. All degree programs offered by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, and thus by GSRM, are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

About St. John’s University

St. John’s University is a private, coeducational, Roman Catholic University founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians), with its main campus located in Queens, NY. St. John’s University also has campuses and locations in Manhattan, NY; Rome, Italy; Paris, France; and Limerick, Ireland.

St. John’s University is comprised of six Schools and Colleges, including the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business (including the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science), The School of Education, and the School of Law.

As of Fall 2024, the University has more than 1,400 full-time and part-time faculty; almost 16,000 undergraduate students; and 3,749 graduate students from 45 states and 119 countries (and Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands). St. John’s offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including 16 doctoral programs.

About Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School

Located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, NY, and accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools, Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School is a member of the 41-school Cristo Rey Network, the largest network of secondary schools in the country that exclusively serves students and families of limited economic means. Drawing close to 250 students from more than 60 zip codes across Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond, Cristo Rey Brooklyn is a Catholic college-preparatory school partnering with families of all creeds to educate deserving young people from underserved communities to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. By integrating a rigorous curriculum, a unique work-study experience, and the support of an inclusive school community, CRB enables students to succeed in college and beyond with the values essential to a fulfilling life.

About Student Sponsor Partners

Student Sponsor Partners harnesses the power of quality education and mentorship to help New York City youth in underserved communities escape the cycle of poverty and reach their highest potential. For more than 39 years, Student Sponsor Partners has paired thousands of students across the five boroughs with sponsors who fund scholarships and education programs and mentors who guide them through their journeys. Evolving with the changing education and social landscapes, Student Sponsor Partners continues to create a far-reaching impact on students, their families, their communities, and beyond.