FRANKLIN, Tenn. -
Most Middle Tennessee schools are out for the summer or will be by the end of the week, leaving thousands of students looking for summer work.
Nationally, the U.S. Department of Labor says the jobs will be few and far between.
In Middle Tennessee, some school systems are helping their students find employment opportunities with local companies.
New for 2012, the Williamson County school district launched a Web site that allows businesses to post seasonal jobs and allows students and teachers to apply for those jobs.
"We're trying to do some pre-screening for [the businesses], making sure that the candidates that do go and apply are good quality candidates. They know how to look people in the eye and be respectful and dress appropriately," Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney explained.
Three employers have posted jobs on the site so far, ranging from a fast food restaurant to a local mother who needs help transporting her kids to sports practices.
"Every kid deserves a chance and we've had a few here who've said they've tried to get jobs and I just can't do it," said Brian Young, general manager at the Sonic in Franklin.
Young was a teenager looking for a summer job when he was hired by Chuck Sugg, who owns several area Sonic restaurants including the Franklin location.
Sugg believes teens should work because it "teaches them great work ethic and builds an available link or bridge into the community."
Sugg recently hired Fairview High School senior Chelsi Ford who said she struggled to find a job.
"Most jobs around are like 18 and older and it's really hard to find a job that will hire you," she said.
Sugg has several openings this summer and has posted them Williams County's Web site.
Visit SummerJobs.WCS.edu for more information.
Fairview High School senior Chelsi Ford says she struggled to find a summer job.
