Opportunities for Teens During the Summer (continued)

Types of jobs. The rate of decline in youth labor force participation was intensified by job cutbacks in occupations that are primary sources of employment for those aged 16 to 19: more than half of all teens were employed in service and retail occupations, which had severe job losses between July 2001 and July 2002.

BLS data show that in July 2002, most teens were employed in service and sales jobs, with fewer working in professional, technical, or agricultural jobs. These data are typical for the types of jobs teens work during the summer months. The Employment Policy Foundation points to the retail sector—which includes jobs such as clerks, cashiers, and servers in foodservice establishments—as the primary source of teens’ summer opportunities. “The retail industry serves as a great match for young people looking to gain their first working experience,” says Ed Potter, president of the Foundation. “Employable teenagers, individuals who are between the ages of 16 and 19, can use workplace skills gained during these short-term, seasonal jobs after high school and college graduation when they search for more stable employment.”

Average hours worked. During the summer, youths who are not in school are able to increase the number of hours they work each week. BLS data show that in July 2002, employed youths aged 16 to 19 worked an average of nearly 29 hours per week—slightly fewer than the 30 hours per week that teens worked in July 2001.

Median earnings. The minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is associated with many youths entering the workforce. In fact, a youth minimum wage, authorized by 1996 amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, allows employers to pay workers who are under age 20 a lower wage for 90 calendar days. But BLS data show that half of workers aged 16 to 19 earned more than $6.75 in 2001.

Summer school or summer work: Why bother?

Given a choice between spending the summer lounging by the pool and attending school or working, many teenagers may opt for the pool. But presented differently—wasting time instead of getting ahead academically or earning spending money—those same teens might change their minds.

Many teens both attend school and work during the summer. In doing so, these teens may be able to give themselves more academic opportunities while at the same time earning money. And by necessity, they also are likely to learn to manage their time effectively, a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Of course, not all teens have a choice: some must go to summer school to avoid repeating a year in school, others work because of financial necessity, and still others must do both. Regardless of whether their school attendance or work during the summer is voluntary, however, either activity confers benefits on the teens who participate.

Benefits to attending summer school. Summer school has become an important resource for many students. Generally, summer school is mandatory for a small group of students: those who have been conditionally promoted—that is, those who will be promoted to the next grade only after attending and passing a specified summer school curriculum. But thousands of students are encouraged to enroll in summer classes, including students who are not fluent in English or who performed poorly on State-mandated exams.