Program Overview
The Romero Program is a senior-level, year-long elective that is designed to be the capstone of a student’s entire Brophy experience and of our Jesuit, Catholic values. These students dedicate a considerable portion of their senior year to understanding and responding to the social issues facing citizens of Arizona. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students leave campus to participate in internships at organizations working to confront different inequities in Phoenix. On Mondays and Wednesdays, students are in class studying a curriculum of social analysis, theological reflection and personal discernment based on the experiences in their internships. Our mission is to help form the next generation of Arizona leaders. We can only do this with your partnership!
Expectations of Partner Organizations
We partner with organizations interested in collaborating with two or three Brophy seniors who would work as interns for the academic year. While the shape of each internship varies at each organization, we ask that our potential partners be open to offering the following for our students:
1. Meaningful participation in the work of the organization, with an eye toward opportunities to interface with the people impacted by the social issues the organization confronts;
2. Mentorship from leadership at the organization, which may include regular check-ins, participation in leadership team meetings, meeting with people who operate the different levels of the organization, etc. Most importantly, we seek leaders who are passionate about forming the next generation;
3. An openness to “project thinking,” meaning that interns should have an opportunity to take ownership of certain projects or initiatives. By the end of the year, students are expected to design and complete a new project for the organization at which they intern related to their work there.
Expectations of Students and Teachers
The partnering organization will receive dedicated and thoughtful participation from some of Brophy’s most entrepreneurial and creative students, who will be available to work or serve for 5–6 hours every week from August through May of each academic year. The ideal schedule for Brophy interns to be physically present at your organization is Tuesdays and Thursdays, somewhere in the window of 12:30–4 p.m.
Romero Program teachers will work with partner communities to develop a “curriculum” for the internship, will visit at least four times during the school year, and will be available for regular contact and support. If you are interested in learning more, please contact program director,
Mr. Tim Broyles.