The city is doing what it can to help provide summer jobs for young people who are out of school for the season but thousands will still find themselves unemployed. NY1’s Zack Fink filed the following report.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg was at the Queens Botanical Garden on Thursday to kick off the city's summer jobs program, where 35 young employees will begin working next week.

"Research including a recent New York University study shows that students who work while still in high school tend to stay in school, do better at Regents exams and graduate at higher rates. They earn more as they move into their 20s as well. And sometimes a summer job can really start you on a career path," Bloomberg said.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is being funded by a $20 million grant from the city, made of roughly $13.5 million from the state and another $6 million from the federal government. It is also supported through donations from private companies and foundations.

"We've had roughly $6 million donated by these companies and foundations to support our youth and we thank them for their support,” said Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott.

Leaders praised the employment programs for helping to keep young people off the streets during these hot summer months when there is no school.

"I don't think there is any question that if a kid doesn't have anything to do, it's unfortunate, but there's a chance, a greater chance, that they'll do something stupid. We need more programs. There's just is a limit to how much the public is willing to pay in taxes,” Bloomberg said.

Irish Iyyadarai starts her summer job next week, just a few months before she begins 11th grade.

"I know I am going to be working with a company called Ernst and Young. I know they are one of the biggest financial services in the world,” she said.

More than 130,000 students applied for jobs through this initiative but there are spots for fewer than 32,000. A competitive process is in place to hire the most qualified applicants.