For many high school seniors, graduation is only a few short weeks away. And while many look toward college or the military as future plans, many will want to do something to pass the time.

For all those seniors who are waiting, the city of Selma might have a profitable answer.

The city will hold its annual summer youth employment program beginning Monday, June 11 through Thursday, July 19. Applications for employment will be available this week in area schools and Selma City Hall. Applications are due by April 30. Students and non-students, ages 18 to 22 may participate.

With 100 students having worked in the program in 2011, Selma Mayor George Evans said he hopes for the same success with employment this year.

“We working to solicit students … we’re hoping to try to get more than that. We have more than 300 that want to work,” Evans said. “So we’re hoping that with everyone’s help, we’re asking everyone to adopt a child.”

Each student will work for six weeks and be paid a total of $750. Evans said he’s spoken to several businesses and groups concerning child sponsorship.

In a previous interview with the Times-Journal, program director Val Jones said the program is made possible through federal contributions of the Selma City School system, and teaches children the importance of work.

“The city gave us $10,000 … we had many sponsors,” Jones said. “The purpose is to acquaint them (students) with the work environment (and) help them learn work appropriate behavior, et cetera.”

Previously, students have been placed throughout the city with jobs in city hall, parks and recreation, Memorial Stadium and Selma Fire Department, among others.

For more information about the program, call 874-2102.