Haselden Construction Supports Arrupe Jesuit Work Study Program

Building Colorado’s Future

For Haselden Construction, “Building the Future” is a commitment to the essential infrastructure of the Rocky Mountain region. From state-of-the-art hospitals to the local schools where our future leaders learn, Haselden’s work is defined by the communities it serves.

An avid supporter of the Arrupe Jesuit High School Corporate Work Study Program, Haselden Construction recently invited subcontractors and industry partners to its headquarters for a community breakfast. The goal was simple: to share the profound impact of this program and encourage others to join Haselden Construction in building the future of the Colorado workforce.

Supporting Denver Students Through Real Work Experience

The Arrupe Jesuit story is one of remarkable evolution. When the school opened its doors in 2003, the facilities were modest, but the mission was massive. Today, that mission has created “ hallways of hope” that support students from 85 different zip codes across the Denver area. Haselden Construction’s CEO, Byron Haselden, remains a passionate advocate for the program because of its tangible results: a staggering 97% to 98% college placement rate and a culture that empowers families who might otherwise find private education out of reach.

The connection between the two organizations is personified by Liz Cervantes, Haselden Construction’s Proposal Manager. A graduate of the Arrupe program herself, Liz was the first in her family to attend college. She joined Haselden Construction over a decade ago, rising from a receptionist to heading the team that manages the company’s complex, multi-faceted proposal process. Her success story is a primary motivator for Haselden Construction’s continued investment in the school; she is living proof that the program provides a foundation for long-term professional excellence.

The Work Study Model: Real Work, Real Responsibility

A common misconception is that Arrupe students are interns. In reality, they are part of a sophisticated work-study model where students take on entry-level work one day a week to fund their own education. These students provide essential support, often mastering administrative and technical tasks with surprising speed and professional acumen.

The impact of this model is exemplified through Ricardo, an Arrupe student who is currently working with Haselden Construction on the expansion of his own school. Ricardo has been immersed in reporting, checking punch lists, and learning the complexities of estimating. Project Engineer Tom Perry has taken Ricardo under his wing, providing mentorship and inspiring Ricardo to pursue construction management after college. He will attend Colorado State University in the fall and is a 2026 recipient of a Daniels Scholarship.

By working on the very project that will house future generations of his peers, Ricardo has gained a unique perspective on “Responsible Use of Power”: a core theme at Arrupe that Haselden Construction honors on every jobsite. At Haselden Construction’s breakfast event, Ricardo shared his experiences practicing the critical importance of safety and the value of building strong relationships with trade partners. Three additional Arrupe students also attended and spoke, each echoing the impact of being given real responsibility. These student speakers shared how the program has built the confidence to know their efforts and ideas can, and do, make a difference in the world.

Haselden Construction’s Role in the Arrupe Jesuit Campus Expansion

Haselden Construction is proud to support the continued growth of Arrupe Jesuit’s Denver campus, helping create more space for the scholars, programs, and opportunities that define the school’s mission. Once complete, the expansion will allow Arrupe Jesuit to serve 500 students.

• Phase 1: A 35,000 square foot addition was completed in December 2025, providing new science classrooms, a Makerspace, a gymnasium, a boardroom, and public gathering areas.
• Phase 2: Following the addition, a 35,000 square foot in-progress renovation will create dedicated spaces for college counseling, the Corporate Work Study program, dedicated teacher spaces, new flooring, and a new front entry.

This growth is vital. With 130 freshmen entering the program next year, the need for corporate partners is higher than ever. By hosting a student, a company does more than fulfill an administrative need; it invests in a legacy of social mobility and professional growth.

Join The Mission

Arrupe Jesuit is currently seeking new partners to provide work-study placements for the upcoming school year. Whether your company is in construction, healthcare, law, technology, or beyond, these students bring a unique perspective and a dedicated work ethic to any team.

Build Colorado’s Future with us. Colorado companies interested in supporting Denver students through meaningful workplace experience can learn more about Arrupe Jesuit’s Corporate Work Study Program at arrupejesuit.com/corporate-work-study-program.