During the beginning stages of the program students were given a basic introduction to the executive, legislative and judicial apparatus on the Kingdom, Federal and Island level. Louis Duzanson's book "An Introduction to Government Island Territory of St. Maarten" and Edgar and Julian Lynch's book "Know your political history", among others, were required reading for the Summer Work Program.
The students visited several government departments on both Island Territory and Central Government including the Coast Guard, Disaster Management, Prison and Ambulance Department. They also got in depth information on the constitution of St. Maarten from the Bureau of Constitutional Affairs and from Acting Lt. Governor Mr. Reynold Groeneveldt. They also attended a session of an Island Council Meeting.
Ms. Ari Sutton, Policy Assistant and Mr. Terry J. Peterson, Special Advisor to the Minister of Constitutional Affairs were the coordinators and supervisors of the summer program.