The competition for summer jobs is daunting and demoralizing. In one state, the percentage of teens with jobs is now at the lowest level since World War II.
Randall Pinkston: In Boston, 17-year old Jane Nguyen and 16-year old Xavier Niles-Charls, both want summer jobs. Jane Nguyen: I need the money, so I can support myself. Randall Pinkston: Jane has one all lined up. Jane Nguyen: My name is Jane. I'm in business education. Randall Pinkston: She will be working at the New England Aquarium where she's already in training. Jane Nguyen: If you don't hold the lobster right, you can hurt him. Randall Pinkston: Xavier has already applied for six jobs. What are they saying to you? Xavier Niles-Charls: That either that they have too much teens or that they don't have the space. Randall Pinkston: Xavier Niles-Charls is typical of thousands of other teens in Boston and around the country struggling to find work this summer. Teens competing with unemployed adults for low-wage jobs. The new Federal Stimulus Bill provides $30 million for summer jobs for youth in Massachusetts, but here in Boston income restrictions will severely limit the number of teens who could actually get work. For example if a teenager's family of 4 earns more than $28,600 a year, the teen does not qualify for a federally funded summer job. Mayor Thomas Menino: I don't know how many families in Boston can meet that criteria. Randall Pinkston: To give more teens an opportunity, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was allocating $4 million for summer jobs, even while the city makes painful cuts to balance the budget. The mayor takes special interest in the teens. His office sponsors career skills workshops and a special hotline to help young people looking for work. So far, Mayor Menino has enough money for 5,000 jobs, but he has at least 10,000 applicants and that's a worry for him. How important is crime prevention in providing summer jobs? Mayor Thomas Menino: It helps us with the issues of violence actually. If you keep kids busy and they work during the day time, they are too tired at night to go out. Randall Pinkston: The mayor is hoping businesses despite hard times will hire young people like Xavier. Xavier Niles-Charls: Not too many of my friends had too many interviews. Randall Pinkston: For those still looking for work, Jane Nguyen has some advice. Jane Nguyen: Practice with your friends, mock interview with them. I mean, you need all the practice you can get. Randall Pinkston: It's good advice in a tough market. The percentage of teens with jobs in Massachusetts is now 38%, the lowest level since World War II. Randall Pinkston, CBS News, Boston.
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