Five students sat around a table Tuesday, reviewing their progress on making a miniature police cruiser: about 4 inches long, a little over inch high and slightly above 2 inches wide.

"This is a staff meeting about what we have done,'' said Kristen Johnson, 17, a 12th-grader at Shroder Paideia Academy, Kennedy Heights, as she rolled the car down the table.

The students are among 25 in their final week of a two-week summer link program, working side-by-side with Convergys employees.

Working on a project are (from left) Erica Williams, Steve Holley, Amy Doll (back toward camera) and Lauren Valentine. (Courtesy photo) | ZOOM |

Assembling the car is a special project for team 513, which also comprises Steve Holley, 15, 11th-grade, Hughes Center; Erica Williams, 17, 12th grade, Dater High; Lauren Valentine, 17, senior, Shroder; and Dana Sias, 17, senior, Withrow.

"We really clicked as a group,'' Steve said.

They expressed the importance of teamwork.

"In a project such as this, you have to find someone reliable. You have to have reliable people to depend on for the materials,'' Lauren said.

"And most of all, we learn that in a company, everything has to be on paper and in place,'' Erica said.

The students said they experienced a professional work environment and learned about Convergys and the field of technology.

They also learn business etiquette, how to dress for success, resume writing skills and interview techniques.