The Summer Job Connection puts young adults ages 16 to 21 to work with nonprofits, government agencies and private companies in the area. They earn $8.25 an hour through paid internships and work a regular eight-hour day.

Terrence Blake is working for the Orange County Library through the program.

"Well, it really means a lot to me because the money's going to help my family," said Blake. "It's going to help me get a laptop for college because I really need one."

The Colonial High School student also plans to use the money to cover his senior fees, as well as his cap and gown for graduation. The job is serving as a stepping stone of sorts for him. The 17 year old is already thinking about life after he receives his diploma.

"I would like to go to UCF to major in biology because I want to become a general practitioner," said Blake.

Blake's supervisors say he's well on his way. They're even trying to find him scholarships.

Wendi Bost is a public service administrator with the library. She says the Summer Job Connection helps employers just as much as it benefits young people.

"We've been fortunate that we haven't laid off anybody, but we are not hiring," said Bost. "So it was a way for us to find some additional help that we were looking for in the busy summer months."

The program also teaches participants valuable work skills such as how to create a resume and the importance of being on time.

"It's not just about the work itself," said Bost. "It's about fostering work in our youth and teaching them about expectations and what it means to be employed."

The program was funded by the federal stimulus in 2009 and provided jobs for 1,200 young people. It's been scaled back this year and is being funded by $3 million from Workforce Central Florida. The program's future beyond this year is uncertain.