NATCHEZ — Five Natchez youth will be able to spend their summer gainfully employed, thanks to a grant received by the city.

Natchez has received the Urban Youth Corps grant, allowing the city to hire —and train— five Natchezians age 16 to 25 to work for Natchez Public Works this summer.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation and the City of Natchez will work together for the fourth consecutive summer to provide job opportunities and skills training as part of the program.

Eligible cities are awarded $35,000 in Federal Highway Administration funds for the Urban Youth Corps Program, which provides participants with on-the-job training, work experience and basic life skills.

The grant is designed to provide 80 percent of the program’s needs, with the city providing the remaining 20 percent through in-kind services, which in this case means access to city personnel and equipment needed to make the program’s activities possible.

The Natchez Board of Aldermen accepted the grant and approved the in-kind match at its meeting Tuesday.

Southern District Transportation Commissioner Tom King said the program not only provides beautification to cities, but valuable training to program participants.

“We’re excited about this opportunity for our youth,” said Southern District Transportation Commissioner Tom King. “The intent behind this program is to educate this younger generation about the transportation industry, MDOT and the many careers available in this industry.”

The City of Natchez has selected citywide median beautification as the primary activity for this year’s Urban Youth Corps Program. Participants will clean and beautify medians along Broadway Street, Brenham Avenue, Canal Street, Franklin Street, George F. West Boulevard, Main Street, John R. Junkin Drive, St. Catherine Street and U.S 61.

In previous years, participants improved the walking trails at Duncan Park and provided electrical and sidewalk improvements at Memorial Park.

At least 10 percent of program participants’ time will be spent receiving basic skills training from our community partners including Alcorn State University, AMR of the Miss-Lou, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Carby & Carby, Home Bank, The Gillon Group, Mississippi State University and Waycaster & Associates.

The five participants will be chosen from the pool of qualified applicants through an interview process. Community Development Director James Johnston said those chosen must be enrolled in high school, college or an equivalent program and must perform well in the interview.

Public Works Supervisor Justin Dollar said most applicants will not have experience in construction, but must have a work ethic and desire to learn in order to be successful. Dollar said the work is full-time, outdoors and somewhat physically demanding.

Those hired by the city will be paid $7.75 an hour, approximately 40 hours a week from May 23 until Aug. 5. Applications are currently being accepted at the personnel department, located across Pearl Street from City Hall in the Council Chambers.

Natchez Personnel Director Brenda Cantu said she has received seven applications so far, but expects to receive more before the application period closes May 13.

“Last year we had like 15,” Cantu said. “There are plenty of interested people.”