Summer jobs these days are difficult to find.

Many employers will say good, prospective employees are scarce, too.

However, for many high school and college students, those summer jobs are often exactly what lead to decisions about what careers to pursue.

For the third year, Natchez will offer summer employment to five college students through a Mississippi Department of Transportation-funded program.

The program benefits students and our city.

These college students are able to get practical, on-the-job experience, as well as earn some money.

The program benefits citizens of Natchez in several ways. The increased, very affordable manpower means transportation-related projects get completed here sooner than perhaps they would have without the extra help.

In addition, these young people gain exposure into what working for a municipality is like and perhaps will be inspired to work in the public sector after earning their college degrees.

A potential employee who you know, who has experience working with you, could be very valuable to the city.

Participants of the program must be current college students. If you know someone who has an interest in applying for one of the five positions, have that student stop by the planning and community development department at City Hall on Pearl Street to pick up an application.

It could be a decision that leads to a lifetime of opportunity.