For students looking for an opportunity, Rich Payne, director of the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, suggested they visit the state's summer job website, www.summerjobs.mo.gov.

"We know they're starting to look for work earlier," said Melanie Duncan, a counselor at Jackson High School. "They used to want jobs for gas money, but now, in many cases, it's to help out the family." She added, "Now, it's more need than want."

She encourages students to stop at the counselor's office to look at the bulletin board where jobs are constantly being added. Duncan said, day-care centers, at-home baby-sitting and city and county parks department jobs are among the most common posts.

"A lot of it is word-of-mouth between students, as well," she said.

Brother David Migliorino, principal of Notre Dame Regional High School, also offered suggestions for students. "Don't forget the bulletin boards at your church or parish," he said.

He estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of Notre Dame students are employed.

"There are so many places to find a job: our guidance center, my office, the bulletin board -- especially for cutting grass. Opportunities are there," he said.

Helpful websites

* www.snagajob.com

* www.coolworks.com

STAYING BUSY

No job and nowhere to go? Here's some things to get you out of the house:

* Look into teen classes. Not summer school stuff like math and English, but fun classes at the local gym or art classes. The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and Southeast Missouri State University have partnered to offer Art Academy Summer Art Workshops. Visit semissourian.com to learn more or download a form.

* Do odd jobs like baby-sitting, car washing, dog walking or lawn mowing. You can ask your parents if someone could use some extra help in the office.

* Check churches, soup kitchens, senior centers, animal shelters and the like to see if they need volunteers. You're helping the community and beefing up your college applications and resumes.

* Explore summer camp options. Many have counselor-in-training or other programs for teens. For pricier specialty or residential camps, ask about financial aid or a group rate if several people enroll together. Find camps at acacamps.org.

* Grab some friends and organize a book party in the park to get some sun and cross off a few titles from that summer reading list.