For most recent high school grads, the start of summer means the start to a relaxing few months. But that’s not the case for 16 ambitious students in the Chalmette Refining Summer Partners Program.

The program, formerly known as the Green Team, is designed to help incoming freshmen build career skills and college credit for taking diverse classes at Nunez that range from baking to public speaking. In addition to job experience, one of the lasting benefits of the program is the experience of balancing a career with academics– a reality for many modern college students across the nation.

Students were interviewed and hired by the St. Bernard Career Solutions Center, and are paid a hourly wage to work in various offices in throughout the parish. The students first day of work was June 4, and an introductory breakfast was held bright and early at Nunez Community College.

“When the students were hired, we tried to match their interests with the jobs available,” explained Elizabeth Frost of Chalmette Refining.

Ernest Frazier, Director of Workforce Development at Nunez, has participated in the program for 15 years.

“I’ve been here for 15 years and as long as I’ve been here, the Green Team has been here,” said Frazier. “Every year we always have a group of really good students.”

Ryan Fink, Director of Film and Television for the St. Bernard Parish Government was involved in last year’s program and is looking forward to this summer.

“We’ll be doing a little of everything– working on organizational skills, camera work, and I’ll be showing them the basics of editing, camera work and lighting too,” said Fink.

Amanda Coulon, a sophomore at Nunez, participated in last year’s program and worked Chancellor’s Office. A year later, Coulon is a vital asset to the Chancellor Office’s administrative staff and was at the June 4 introductory breakfast to talk to the new participants about what they can expect. Something she particularly enjoyed was the social aspect.

“I really enjoyed getting to know other students in the program,” said Coulon with a smile, “Last year there were kids from my high school that I recognized but didn’t really know and the summer program allowed me to become friends with them.”

Zhane Reddick is on the 2012 team and was hired to work in the Nunez Community College Library. Reddick says she is most excited about the job experience.

“I’m going to be answering phones and helping out with filing,” explained Reddick, “I’m very excited.”

The 17-year-old program is sponsored by Chalmette Refining, St. Bernard School Board, the parish government, the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce and Nunez Community College and is funded through a $35,000 ExxonMobil grant.