California self-storage provider A-1 Self Storage is funding four corporate internship programs for students at San Miguel Cristo Rey High School in Tucson, Ariz.

The school began offering internships to create a learning community for students and help them meet their financial needs.  San Miguel Cristo Rey is in Tucsons economically depressed south side where 50 percent of adult residents dont have a high school education and 42 percent of San Miguel Cristo Rey neighbors earn less than $25,000 per year.

At San Miguel Cristo Rey, students take a full college preparatory course load while simultaneously holding internships, working in corporations and earning nearly 60 percent of their school tuition. The Corporate Internship Program gives students the opportunity to form new identities as citizens and professionals who have a bright future. Internships are arguably the most influential in inspiring young minds to aspire to do and be great, said Brian Caster, president and CEO of A-1 Self Storage.

A-1 Self Storage has 16 locations in the San Diego County area and more than 40 locations statewide. It is the self-storage division of the Caster Cos., a third-generation, family-owned company headquartered in South California since 1959. Caster Cos. develops and manages A-1 Self Storage, A-1 Car Storage and other commercial properties in California. Its portfolio includes more than 4 million square feet of real estate.