For the last decade, the number of jobs available to teens in the U.S. has been falling. However, the New Jersey Department of Transportation is reviving one program to put some of them to work cleaning up the Garden State. Under the program, young people are paid minimum wage to pick up trash, prune overgrown shrubs and install welcome signs along state highways.  

The program is overseen by New Jersey’s Department of Transportation. Commissioner Jim Simpson says after a four year hiatus, it’s once again become a priority.

“We’re taking kids, youngsters who are unemployed, employing them, teaching them how to work, teaching them to be responsible, teaching them to show up…”

Krishna Garlic is the CEO of Brand New Day, a revitalization group from Elizabeth chosen to take part. While she’s grateful to be able to give ten young people summer jobs, Garlic says there are many more who could use the opportunity.

“We could definitely fill those vacancies really quickly with the number of people who come in every day looking for jobs.”

DOT Commissioner Jim Simpson says putting 120 of them to work is a good start.