NATCHEZ — Instead of wasting away their summer in front of television or computer screens, five area youth will have the opportunity to get some hands-on experience — and earn some cash while doing so.

The Urban Youth Corps program, sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Transportation, is currently accepting applications for youth interested in working for the city’s Public Works Department.

Selected applicants between ages 18 and 25 will work 40 hours a week beginning May 25 at a pay rate of $7.75 per hour.

Applications are due May 15 to the personnel office at city hall, 124 S. Pearl St.

“Participants will receive basic skills training from several local companies, and also work on transportation enhancement projects,” Community Development Director James Johnston said.

Home Bank, Carby & Carby, Alcorn State University and the Mississippi State University Extension Service are a few sponsors of the program.

“This is a great program that helps prepare kids for the real world,” Adams County Extension Office Supervisor David Carter said.  “We try to give them some motivational and professional skills.”

Carter said the ultimate goal is for participants to return to Natchez and Adams County after receiving higher education and become productive members of the community.

“I think any kind of leadership program for the youth is something we should try to sustain,” he said.

City Attorney Hyde Carby said the program has somewhat of a dual purpose as a mentorship program, because it exposes youth to local leaders who have found success in their area of education.

“We try to give them a good insight into what a lawyer does on a daily basis,” Carby said. “We want to expose them to the legal system in a good way, and we’re happy to chip in our little bit to help the program be successful.”

This is the third year for Natchez to host the program.

Past projects have included improving walking trails at Duncan and Memorial Parks.

This year, Johnston said youth would be working on a continuation of renovations at Memorial Park.

“This is something that will benefit both the youth, and the community,” Johnston said.