Be they lifeguards or babysitters or lawn service entrepreneurs, Vicksburg and Warren County’s young people are out in force this summer, doing all they can to earn some money for gas or car insurance or to save for college expenses.

Kudos to them for putting their summertime to good use and gaining some experience in the work world in the process.

For many of us, our careers started during summers while in high school. No better time exists for young people to get a taste of what the real world will be like when their education is finished. No better time exists for young people to learn responsibilities and deadlines and the importance of meeting commitments.

A number of area businesses as well as city and county government routinely hire high school and college students.

The city of Vicksburg has put 30 young people to work this summer.

Warren County has 27 young people in summer jobs.

Students must submit resumes and go through the interview process, just like they would with a career employer.

The experience gives students an opportunity to try out a job before committing to it in college, as well as teaching them what they need to do to further their education for particular jobs.

“The goal is primarily academic,” said District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon.

He said the summer work for the students aged 16 to 21 who work for the county is “a stepping stone for better things.”

Students who are in the work force this summer will have a leg up on those who don’t. Summer work teaches students money management and customer service skills that will serve them all of their lives.

We hope you encourage your young people to put their summertime to good use and get a job. And if you are an employer, if you can, give a young person an opportunity.

You’ll be helping create our next generation of responsible workers.