Tuesday Tips: 7 Great Summer Job Resources

Unless you have been living in a cave for the last 18 months, you know that our country is in a major recession.

What that means for you, whether you are 16 or 66, is that your job is less secure — and a new job is going to be harder to come by. For teenagers looking for a summer job, the pressure is especially intense. There are fewer jobs than normal, and each one is being fought over by a far greater number of applicants.

There is some good news in this whole mess: There are a growing number of programs, many of which are funded by the federal government, to aid 14 to 24 year olds in finding a summer job. Here are seven of the best sites to help you (or the youngster in your life) to find a summer job.

1. YouthBuild is a Department of Labor program for at-risk 16-24 year-olds, providing them with construction and community rehab jobs that will be utilized to create affordable housing for low-income families.

2. Job Corps is a job training program for 16-year olds+. Participants receive free room and board while enjoying top-notch job advice and training.

3. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 hosts a comprehensive list of federally-funded youth employment programs. To find a program near you, call (202) 693-3030.

4. Student Educational Employment Program helps college students find federal work internships that will further their academic and career goals.

5. Student Jobs (Update: website is no longer available) is an online portal for high school and higher education students looking for jobs within the federal government.

6. My First Paycheck hosts a nationwide job board for youth looking for a summer job .

7. JobMonkey’s section on Summer Jobs features targeted opportunities for teens and young adults, from summer camp jobs and theme park jobs to outdoor jobs and even jobs in Alaska.