WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ROADS - It's off to work for a group of students in New Roads. A record number of teens are taking part in the city's youth opportunity program, where teens ages 14 to 17 will work at city offices or area non-profit agencies.

Mayor Robert Myer said it shows young people first-hand how the city operates. The mayor also says it gives them a little spending money while keeping them off the streets.

Pointe Coupee Parish School Superintendent Linda D'Amico says the students have been working at the central office for more than five years. She says student workers take care of phone calls and other duties, allowing workers like bookkeepers and clerks to focus on their jobs.