Joe Monzo knows what he's going to be doing this summer -- making burritos.
Monzo, 16, started his first job ever Thursday afternoon at Taco Bell on Highway 50 in Carson City.
"It was kind of weird because I kept messing up," he said. "But I liked it. It's cool because now I'll have money to buy a car and clothes."
Landing this job ends a yearlong search of trying to find work.
"I've gone to about 14 interviews, but I was too young," he said. "I just kept getting frustrated."
Monzo's struggle to find a job is one felt by many Carson High School students as the end of the school year approaches.
"There's so many kids looking for jobs," said Robin Bluess, office manager of the school's tech center who often helps students find work. "With the economy the way it is and with Kmart closing, there's that many more people out there looking for jobs. That makes it really tough for these kids."
Bluess used to work in the school's career office and with the Schools to Careers program, which sponsored job shadow activities and other means to bring the workforce and student population together.
But the career office closed and the five-year Schools to Careers grant expired last year, leaving students to navigate their own way through the work world.
For some it's a natural transition. For instance, Allie Williams, 17, is an advanced dance student who now teaches beginning dance classes.
For others, it can be daunting.
"I have to get a job for the summer," said Ciarra Christian, 16. "I think it's going to be difficult. I don't know what I want to do."
Christian plans to become a dental hygienist and would like to find work in a dentist's office.
"I look in the newspaper, but I never see any openings," she said.
Bluess places all announcements of job openings in a glass case near the library open to all students.
However, she said many high school students are specialized in areas ranging from automotive care and welding to culinary arts and Web design.
If employers are interested, she said she can match specific students with specific jobs.
YOU CAN HELP
To hire a high school student, call Robin Bluess at 887-4162.
