Obama plan creates jobs for teens

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The White House announced details of a plan that would include the creation of 180,000 jobs for teens.

The plan is part of the Obama Administration's 'We Can't Wait' initiative and would provide low income teens with opportunities for 100,000 paid jobs and internships.

According to a new analysis, taxpayers shouldered a $93-million burden this year for unemployed teens.

Just 48.8% of teens had a job last July, which is the peak of employment.

Teens who would be eligible for the program at Chicopee High School say it's been difficult for them to find jobs.

"I applied for so many jobs, but other people already had them and there was no space," said 16-year old Stephen Cooley who quit searching for a job last summer after being turned away too many times.

"Sometime last week, I started filling out applications and I haven't gotten a call back yet, " said 18-year old Nervie Delbridge who is looking for a job to save up for college costs.

Springfield Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Gary McCarthy says this is a plan that makes sense.

"We certainly believe it here that if you can give young people job opportunities early on it gives them a lot of direction.  It's certainly a preventative tool like any other preventative thing we do that helps youngsters set goals and do the right thing, " said McCarthy.

The plan will also include an online bank of the jobs in which participating employers will be listed.