While much of the attention on job loss has centered on adults who have lost their livelihoods, it's getting harder for young people to get started.
"There's so little out there because there are a lot of older people looking too and that makes it even harder," said 14-year-old David Urbank.
Gov. David Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg want to make things a little easier to employ the city's youth. They announced they will use part of the $29 million of federal stimulus money coming to New York City for youth development to support 51,000 jobs for workers ages 14-24.
Summertime has always meant summer jobs, but even teens aren't immune to tough economic times. That's why New York City is making sure their opportunities don't eviscerate along with the rest of the job market.
The program "NYC Summer Youth Employment Program" will benefit the most people. Officials say the funding will create 8,000 new jobs for teens this summer. The 7-week program employs kids in hospitals, nonprofits, day camps and a number of private sector positions. The pay is $7.25 an hour for 24 hours a week. Applications are being accepted until May 15. More than 80,000 people have already applied. To find out how to apply go to www.nyc.gov/dycd.
For some young people, their paychecks are just as important as their parents'.
"Once I get a job we'll put it in the bank for college and toward the house we want to get," said 14-year-old Jadzia Ramos.
Paterson, who fought to keep the youth work program in the stimulus package, said the city can't ignore the recent unemployment numbers.
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"What we're trying to do is mitigate it," Paterson said, emphasizing the younger generation cannot be ignored.
