Selma’s youth descended upon the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center earlier this week in search of something that seems to have eluded many in Selma.

With unemployment rates rising this year both statewide and nationwide, these youth are searching for something that may amount to nothing. They are searching for jobs.

It’s a process where there are no guarantees, and for some it almost seems like an impossibility.

Selma’s youth, ages 15 through 21, came to the convention center on Wednesday and Thursday to apply for summer jobs with various organizations across Selma, through the Selma Youth Employment Program.

According to Selma City Councilwoman Nancy Sewell, more than 500 students applied for jobs last year through the program. Of the 500, only 50 were chosen for positions.

That’s something that Sewell feels needs to be changed in Selma.

“These are all such wonderful kids,” Sewell said, “but many of them are just facing such hard circumstances. So many of them really need summer employment, yet it is so difficult to find a job.”

Sewell said the city has paid $50,000 to fund the program this year. But that still won’t be enough to guarantee that all applicants will be selected.

“We really wish we could find jobs for all these kids, but unfortunately, there are only so many positions available,” she said.

Tonya Barnes, one of the applicants applying this year agrees that finding a job in Selma is no easy matter. Barnes, 16, said she applied last year, through the program, but was not selected.

“We really need more jobs for our youth here,” said Barnes. “It is just really, really hard to find something.” Barnes said she hopes to work either at the courthouse or with the Selma Water Works, doing secretarial work. “That would be the type of thing I would rather be doing.&uot;

Other applicants like Christy Cunningham, 20, who received a position working with the mayor’s office last year, are reapplying, hoping to get lucky once again.

“It is definitely hard to find a job here,” said Cunningham. “I think something really needs to be done to get more jobs for people our age in Selma.”

Terry Davis, assistant program coordinator for the youth employment program, said 300 applicants filled the convention center on Wednesday, the first day the program officially opened for hiring.

“Every year, we have a lot of people applying,” she said. “This year hasn’t been any different.”