SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) — Friday was draft day at Angels Stadium, but not for baseball players with big MLB dreams.

Instead, more than 140 students from Cristo Rey Orange County High School were “drafted” into an innovative work and study program.

“We have banks, law firms, hospitals, engineering firms, nonprofits,” said the school’s founding president, Steve Holte.

Through the program, 42 Orange County companies provide hands-on experience and mentoring opportunities to students who may not have direct access to the corporate world.

On Friday, farmers & Merchants Bank has selected second-year student Luna Paz.

“It’s definitely a lot more exciting than if they just hand you an envelope and say, ‘Now you work here,'” she said. “I’m really excited to see what they’re going to do to me.”

Farmers & Merchants Bank President Kevin Tiber attended Friday’s ceremony to welcome Paz and several other students to the team.

“We throw them right into work so they get the full experience. We hold nothing back,” he said.

Eric Gonzalez, a 15-year-old sophomore at Cristo Rey, was selected to work in the Advanced Office in Irvine.

“I’m glad I have the opportunity to work in an office job so that I can stand out on my college application when I’m ready to go to college,” the teenager said.

His parents, Gabriela and Leonardo, were present at the ceremony and celebrated their son’s achievements – and they were thrilled.

“Knowing how to deal with people, how to train them and these social skills are very important,” said Gabriela.

Cristo Rey believes that Draft Day creates excitement among students as they begin to think about their future.

“If you say this is a big deal and companies are happy to have high school students in their companies, then our students will be up to the challenge,” Holte said.

All “selected” students will work together in their companies throughout the school year with the goal of finding their true passion.

“A lot of people complain that they can’t get a job because they need experience. I think this is really helpful. Plus, I know a lot of the skills required for these jobs, so that will help me too,” Paz said.