BOSTON -- Summer boredom can set in pretty quickly for teens -- that why many are already trying to line up summer jobs.

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Jim Boyd Reports On Jobs Resources: ABCD Summer Jobs Program 617-348-6546

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported that dozens of youngsters filed into the Reggie Lewis Center looking for ways to make their summer more productive. They came to the center to file applications for summer jobs. They're not necessarily looking for money to buy concert tickets, CDs or the latest fashions.

"That will help my family by helping to put food on the table. To help pay bills you know," said Vivian Jackson, of Jamaica Plain.

For other youngsters, it's important to find a way of keeping busy and out of trouble.

"I need to do something for the summer, and I guess the best thing to do is a job," said Robert Carvajal, of the South End.

Action for Boston Community Development, or ABCD, has been running a summer jobs program for four decades. President and CEO Bob Coard said the program sends a strong message to the city's youth.

"They get some money. They get the feel of doing something useful. They get tutorial assistance. They get the feeling that they're cared about," he said.

One youngster who was involved in the ABCD jobs program last year talked about the value and the significance of the experience.

"It just made me feel overall responsible. I had something to wake up to in the mornings rather than to sit up and watch videos, or sit outside with my friends or be involved with negative things," said Brittany Fernandes, of Mattapan.

Coard said the private sector has stepped in by making financial contributions and offering some jobs. The state Legislature has earmarked $3 million for summer jobs programs throughout the state.

ABCD hopes those funds will be released soon, so that the program can be up and running and the jobs available as soon as the students are let out of school for the summer.