Marathon Petroleum’s Summer Youth Program Fosters Community Impact
For over three decades, Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles Refinery has been committed to investing in the future of our community. This summer, the refinery’s 7-week paid Summer Youth Program once again made a significant impact.
A group of enthusiastic 17-19 year old high school students from local schools, personally mentored by Marathon employees, transformed Carson Academy of Medical Arts into a vibrant learning environment. From landscaping to creating inspiring murals, these young people poured their hearts and souls into beautifying the grounds of this grateful recipient school.
The cohort transformed the campus into a blooming, artistic oasis. Think fresh paint, vibrant murals, and lush greenery. It was a master lesson in teamwork as students got their hands dirty and learned valuable skills along the way.
Beyond gaining an understanding of the impact of community service, the Marathon Summer Youth Program equips students with essential life skills and gives most their first taste of working in a professional environment. From resume writing to public speaking, budgeting to interviewing, participants gain valuable real world experience that will build a strong foundation for employability and serve them well in their future careers.
Victoria Gutierrez, a program participant, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “This program has been a game-changer. It’s teaching us skills that most people our age don’t have, like how to write a resume and speak confidently. It’s definitely setting us up for success.”
Eddie Sanchez added, “I’ve learned so much from my mentor. He’s not just teaching me about the refinery but also about life. This program has opened my eyes to the many possibilities that lie ahead.”
The support of community leaders, including Carson City Council Member Arleen Rojas, LAUSD Regional South Director Rudy Mendoza, and Superintendent South District Andre Spicer, highlighted the program’s importance.
Olga Chavez, Marathon’s Senior ESG and Stakeholder Engagement Representative, expressed the company’s dedication: “We’re incredibly proud of this program and its impact on young lives. It’s a privilege to provide these students with opportunities to grow and contribute to their community.”
Marathon Petroleum’s Summer Youth Program is more than just a youth career development program; it’s an investment in the future of our community. By empowering young people and fostering a sense of civic responsibility, the refinery is making a lasting difference.
Marathon Petroleum is proud of its investment in the next generation of leaders and believes in the importance of providing young people with opportunities to succeed. By combining workforce training with community service, the Summer Youth Program has become a cornerstone of Marathon Petroleum’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
About Marathon Petroleum Corporation and its 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.
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.
