By Gia Vang

EUGENE, Ore. -- We've heard work has been hard to come by lately, but at least 10 people will be employed for the next couple of weeks.

Northwest Youth Corps launched its second season of the OutDoor Oregon Program.  That means 16 to 19 year olds will earn money while giving back to the community by doing outdoor conservation in Lane County.

The opportunity comes at a time when many like Tara McKinnon in the program, are in limbo about their next step.

"Even finding a job these days, they're looking for people with more experience and other stuff, and we just need someone to give us a chance," she said.

Program director Tom Helmer said, "If they don't go to school or off to college right away, what do they do for the next year or two before they decide to do that? There's not that many jobs right now so filling this program up hasn't been an issue."

Helmer said the program was possible because of $30,000 from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

He said Oregon is one of the greenest states, but it's also home to the third highest average teen unemployment rate in the nation.  Helmer said programs like these, help bridge that divide.

He said statewide, there are eight crews.  Next year, they hope to get about 20 crews, without depending on federal dollars.