Teens grateful for summer jobs through city program

LYNN – Rafael Angel Peguero wants to join the Marine Corps, but he will spend this summer working as landscaper – a plan that suits his father just fine.?He says it?s good for me to start learning how the world is,” Peguero said Wednesday as he completed a City Hall application process.The 17-year-old is one of 160 local teenagers who successfully competed for jobs offered through the city?s summer work program. Peguero and other teens will earn about $1,100 working in July and August, said city job coordinator John Kasian.Kasian said 25 businesses and nonprofit agencies employ about half of the teens, while the others will work for the city or the School Department.Eric Francis, a junior at the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Academy, starts working in Pine Grove Cemetery next week.?I applied because during the last two summers, I couldn?t work because of school,” Francis said.He described the summer job application process as “pretty competitive” and said his parents are pleased he is working this summer.?They said, ?Finally,?” he said.Peguero said he enjoys working outdoors and said many of his friends are looking for jobs or making plans to “hang out at the beach.”?I?m excited – I?m going to be making money,” he said.Kasian said $320,000 in grant money obtained by the city will cover some of the salaries with businesses hiring teens paying half of their summer employees? salary and nonprofits paying 20 percent of the salary.Most of the teens start working on Monday, and Kasian said the number hired to work this summer matches up with the number of local youth employed through the city?s application process last summer.Francis, 17, thinks businesses are reluctant to hire teenagers out of fear young workers lack skills or are interested only in texting and talking on mobile devices.?They think they have to baby us,” he said.Peguero said a summer job is a starting point in the job market for him – even if he ends up serving his country.?I like working with my hands,” he said.