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Shaping Future Leaders: Avient's 15-Year Journey with Saint Martin's Corporate Work Study

Since 2008, Avient has been at the forefront of fostering future leaders through its impactful partnership with Saint Martin’s Corporate Work Study, embodying a commitment that extends far beyond business. The company is dedicated to leading the way in specialized and sustainable materials solutions, transforming customer challenges into innovative opportunities, and enhancing the world with new products. Their offerings encompass specialty-engineered materials, performance fibers, advanced composites, and color and additive systems. Avient’s core values are Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence—qualities we encourage in our students.

What many people may not realize about Avient is their profound commitment to helping those in need. “Over the years, student workers have taught me that everyone matters,” shares Dennis Richards, an Accounts Payable Supervisor at Avient, reflecting the values that drive the company. Avient actively donates to a variety of causes throughout Northeast Ohio, including support for local organizations like Saint Martin. What truly sets Avient apart, however, is their unwavering dedication to volunteerism. Employees regularly devote their time to a range of non-profit organizations, engaging in activities that not only uplift the community but also foster a strong spirit of collaboration and compassion among team members.

Their engagement with Saint Martin student associates reflects this commitment to community service. “At the end of the day, our goal with this program is to support the school’s effort to positively shape young minds,” stated Richards. When discussing the evolving roles of student associates, he remarked how times have changed. In the past, students were primarily responsible for sorting and delivering mail to various departments, a task that offered them a glimpse into the inner workings of the company. However, with a decrease in physical mail over the years, Dennis recognized the need to innovate. He has since developed new tasks that provide students with more meaningful experiences, allowing them to engage with projects that enhance their skills and prepare them for future careers. Students have the opportunity to work across a range of departments at Avient, including IT, Technology, and Finance, each offering unique insights and valuable hands-on experience.

Saint Martin Freshman, Marvon, has distinguished himself as a student associate by taking sole responsibility for a project that previously required contributions from several student associates. This initiative not only highlights Marvon’s leadership skills but also provides a valuable opportunity for him to enhance his organizational and teamwork abilities, fostering a deeper sense of collaboration within the group. Avient excels at offering students more than just busy work; they provide meaningful tasks that teach young minds how to navigate the corporate world effectively. In Marvon’s case, this means taking charge of scanning documents and independently emailing the relevant individuals, fostering both responsibility and real-world experience.

Avient takes pride in its partnership with Saint Martin through Corporate Work Study recognizing the invaluable impact it has on both the students and the company. “I truly have only positives to say about this program; Saint Martin does an incredible job,” remarks Richards, highlighting the effectiveness of the collaboration. He emphasizes that this partnership not only provides students with meaningful work experience but also enriches Avient’s workplace with fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to fostering the growth of young professionals and preparing them for success in the business world.