BOSTON, MA (December 5, 2023) – Cristo Rey Boston High School [cristoreyboston.org], a Catholic high school in Dorchester exclusively serving students from under-resourced communities across Greater Boston, announced that Paul Gaynor, CEO of Longroad Energy, has made a four-year investment, dedicated to preparing students to choose careers in the environmental sustainability and climate sector, inspiring them to save our planet.  

 

Paul made the gift in honor of his parents, Hope and Tom, and his sister Martha Gaynor, reflecting his family’s commitment to the environment and their dedication to building innovative solutions to the issues of climate change and environmental protection.  

 

Under Paul’s leadership, Longroad Energy has partnered in Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study (CWS) program, enabling Gaynor to witness first-hand the power of a Cristo Rey Boston education. 

 

“Our CWS student is dedicated to learning about renewable energy when he comes to work each week. I have been impressed with the maturity and focus of the students I’ve met through Longroad’s participation in the program. Our sector will be stronger when we hire graduates with diverse backgrounds and worldviews. I am proud to be able to make this gift and support Cristo Rey Boston in a way that will build awareness of climate change and provide exciting career opportunities for aspirational students.”  

 

Rosemary J. Powers, President of Cristo Rey Boston, noted, “With this incredible gift from Mr. Gaynor, we will extend an environmental study curriculum strand through students’ academic experience.  

 

The existing 10th-grade curriculum will expand as part of an intentional, cross-curricular focus on the environment. Currently examining our role as Stewards of Creation, teachers will introduce key concepts to prepare students for success in AP Environmental Science. In Biology, a renewed emphasis will be placed on the intersection of Biology and Environmental Science, allowing students to explore critical concepts before taking AP Environmental Science. 

Ms. Powers continued, “In addition to funding textbooks and supplies, this grant funds intentional college counseling to encourage environmental, climate, and energy majors. It extends Cristo Rey Boston programs with field trips, workshops, and scholarships for summer programs. By encouraging non-traditional students to embrace environmental studies and related careers, we hope to encourage students to contemplate college majors and careers in the ‘green’ industries.” 

 

A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Gaynor has established himself as a leader in alternative energy. Looking to provide innovative solutions to today’s challenges, Gaynor and his team have built a company focused on creating a lasting impact on people and the planet.  

 

The generous gift, in partnership with other CRB donors, will support Cristo Rey Boston’s mission of providing a college preparatory education and workforce development skills to help close the opportunity gap. The school is making intentional investments in the next generation and providing students with exposure to different industries and real-life experiences and skills, setting them on a path to success in college and beyond.