This summer, Curtiss Middle School in Carson came alive with the sounds of shovels, paintbrushes, and laughter as volunteers from Marathon Petroleum Corporation LA Refinery Summer Youth Program teamed up with Sharefest for a school beautification project. What unfolded was more than a fresh coat of paint—it was a celebration of youth leadership, corporate responsibility, and the power of community coming together.
Students and volunteers worked side by side painting multiple large scale murals, adding fresh color, and planting greenery—changes that made the campus feel brighter and more welcoming for the new school year.
The project is part of a decades-long investment by Marathon, whose Summer Youth Program has impacted nearly 900 students over its 30-year history. Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and community service, interns not only gain job skills—they also discover the power of giving back.
As Sharefest Executive Director Chad Mayer put it, “It’s an amazing day when we are able to roll up our sleeves, along with the Marathon summer interns who have dedicated their summer to not only better themselves, but better the community.”
For many interns, the program is more than a summer job—it’s a launching pad. Fernando Hernandez knows that firsthand. “This summer youth experience really opens their eyes and shows them career opportunities they might never have considered. I was one of those kids 11 years ago. Now, after building my own career, I’ve been mentoring for the past three or four years—and it’s incredibly rewarding,” shared Hernandez, Marathon Instrumentation and Machine Technician and Mentor.
At Sharefest, we believe creating these environments is foundational. When students walk into schools that are cared for and full of pride, it communicates that they matter. And when companies like Marathon invest in youth and community in this way, it sets the stage for transformation—on campus, in careers, and across entire communities.
Together, we’re not just painting walls or planting flowers. We’re building belonging, pride, and pathways for the next generation.
About Sharefest:
Sharefest builds hope and pathways to economic success for youth facing significant barriers. Serving nearly 600 youth every year, their primary work takes place inside LAUSD Continuation High Schools from Wilmington to Watts. Sharefest students participate in college and career development coursework that accelerate earning the credits they desperately need to graduate. The Sharefest team mentors and provides students with the necessary skills, support, and connections to achieve their career and college goals. After high school graduation, youth continue to receive support, guidance, and mentoring as they enter into the workforce or community college. Sharefest’s work with youth is partially funded by facilitating service projects for area businesses who want to give back to their surrounding communities. More information is available at sharefestinc.org.
About Marathon Petroleum Corporation and the Los Angeles Refinery:
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading, integrated, downstream energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system. MPC’s marketing system includes branded locations across the United States, including Marathon brand retail outlets. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in MPLX LP, a midstream company that owns and operates gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure. MPC’s Los Angeles Refinery (LAR) is the largest refinery on the West Coast, with a crude oil capacity of 365,000 barrels per calendar day. It manufactures cleaner-burning California Air Resources Board (CARB) gasoline and CARB diesel fuel, as well as conventional gasoline, distillates, natural gas liquids and petrochemicals, heavy fuel oil and propane. LAR ships products via its connections to several product distribution pipelines and terminals. Its Watson cogeneration plant produces 400 megawatts and is the largest cogeneration facility in California. More information is available at marathonpetroleum.com.
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