Alan R. Garcia

Alan Garcia is a career educator who believes in the limitless potential of youth and in revolutionizing the way “we do” formal education. He is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. As an immigrant from Mexico, Alan often talks about “border crossings” and “living on the border” in both the literal and figurative sense. 

Alan is an accomplished educational administrator with a successful track record of designing, implementing, and overseeing a complex array of education programs. Having primarily worked in urban middle and secondary school spaces, Alan’s most recent professional endeavor has him at the helm of one of the most radical and innovative national educational models: the Cristo Rey high school model. Existing at the intersection of college preparation and workplace readiness, the Cristo Rey model requires that all students (grades 9 through 12) attend classes four days a week and participate in a corporate work study program one day a week, for the entire school year (Sept – June in NYC) during all four years of high school. This radical combination of classroom learning running parallel to direct, hands-on work experience is unique to Cristo Rey. In addition to this radical pedagogy, the funding model of Cristo Rey is equally as bold. The revenue the students generate through their work study experience offsets their tuition and is among the principal sources of operating revenue for the school. Cristo Rey high schools exclusively serve students from humble economic backgrounds who otherwise would be unable to afford private school. As the VP of the Corporate Work Study Program, Alan manages all program operations, client relations, business development, student placement, and ongoing training for both students and their corresponding supervisors. 

Alan’s proven commitment to a collaborative approach with a diverse set of stakeholders makes him a prime candidate for this role at Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School. Uniquely positioned to advocate for historically underrepresented students and their families, alumni, faculty and staff, Alan is a high energy team member with exceptional interpersonal and diplomatic skills. As a school and community leader, Alan is able to communicate the school mission’s and generate buy-in from broader communities, be they prospective families, employees, benefactors, or corporate partners. 

In his personal life, Alan is a committed husband, son, brother, and devoted member of “many families”. He is an avid Yankees fan, enjoys playing basketball and running in long distance amateur and semi-professional competitions. Although perhaps at the chagrin of his wife, Alan sees little distinction between his personal life and his professional life and revels in networking and connecting people. When you love what you do, it isn’t a job!