Marathon Petroleum Corporation (Marathon) hosted six interns from the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) at the El Paso Refinery this summer. YISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) students benefit from curriculum aligned with state and national academic standards while developing technical expertise and career-ready skills. Through signature programs, like the one offered by Marathon, and hands-on experiences, YISD CTE students apply their learning in authentic, real-world settings that position them for long-term success.
“At the Marathon Petroleum El Paso facility, our community investment strategy is centered around strengthening communities and helping make people's lives better,” said Marathon’s Principal ESG and Stakeholder Engagement Representative V.J. Smith. “We focus on contributions and partnerships with charitable organizations and educational entities such as YISD’s CTE programs that reflect the priorities of our community stakeholders, align with our core values, and enable us to make a positive, measurable impact.”
“Our success would not be possible without the support of valued partners like Marathon’s El Paso Refinery. We are deeply grateful for this strategic partnership, which exemplifies a shared commitment to empowering students and investing in the local workforce. Marathon’s contributions, ranging from paid internships and mentorship to industry insight, have been truly transformational. For the second year in a row, they have provided paid summer internships for YISD CTE students, offering hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and direct access to career pathways in the energy sector, right here in El Paso,” said Cecy De La O, Workplace Learning Coordinator, Career and Technical Education at Ysleta Independent School District.
Most of the interns are rising seniors and YISD students participating in CTE Programs of Study.
Representing Ysleta High School were Emily Cinco and Anthony Rubio. Emily studies Engineering and interned in Marathon’s IT department. Anthony is a Tigua Next Generation Summer Youth participant, part of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (YDSP), and the YHS Law Enforcement program. He spent his internship in the Maintenance department.
From Del Valle High School (DVHS), Marathon employed Victor Manuel Luna-Flores and Haziel Marin. Victor is a student at DVHS but also participates in the Electrical Technology program at the YISD Career and Technical Center and interned in the Supply Chain department. Haziel studies Engineering and interned in the IT department.
Joining the summer intern team from Eastwood High School was Business student Oscar Lopez. Oscar spent his summer internship in the Accounting department. And rounding out the group was Zerach Hernandez who studies Engineering at Hanks High School. Zerach’s internship was in the IT department.
“The summer student interns were outstanding,” added Victor Vela, IT Manager at Marathon. “Each was assigned a unique set of tasks, ranging from creating instructional videos for PC setups, to configuring and imaging Windows 11 machines, and assisting refinery employees with various troubleshooting issues. They consistently demonstrated a proactive, hands-on attitude and worked collaboratively as a team to successfully complete every assignment.”
“The Marathon team has demonstrated unwavering dedication to student success, welcoming interns into their organization and providing meaningful work-based learning over a six-week program. This experience has not only enhanced our students’ skills but also inspired confidence and professionalism as they prepare for future careers. We are honored to collaborate with an organization that shares our mission of delivering high-quality Career and Technical Education. Together, we are building stronger pathways to success and shaping a brighter future for our students and our community,” added Hugo Martinez, Director of Career Programs at YISD.
Since 2014, Ysleta ISD has enjoyed a steady yet strategic climb toward becoming one of the top-rated districts in Texas and the #1 school district in the El Paso region, undergoing a stunning transformation of its 49 schools through the passage of nearly $1 billion in voter-approved facilities bonds. Ysleta ISD’s stable leadership, innovative educational offerings, and dedicated teachers and administrators have led to the area’s highest percentage of students earning Industry-Based Certifications, as well as 12 athletic state championships over the past decade, and nearly $260 million in scholarships and financial aid for its Class of 2025.
Marathon Petroleum is a leading, integrated, downstream energy company that operates the nation's largest refining system. Marathon’s El Paso refinery employs approximately 400 full-time employees, manufacturing gasoline, diesel, propane and other fuels, as well as asphalt and petrochemicals. More information is available at https://www.marathonpetroleum.com/Operations/Refining/El-Paso-Refinery/.
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