Even with a stagnant economy and rising unemployment there are still job opportunities for DeKalb teens beginning their summer break.

“I like hiring kids. I like making their first job experience fun,” said Scott Wylie, pool manager at Twin Lakes Swim and Tennis Community Club on Briarlake Road.

Wylie said he hires between 15 and 20 teens each summer to operate the center’s concession stand, assist with swimming lessons and as lifeguards.

“They come out of here with a lot of experience so when they get their first real job they are ready to hit the road running.”

One of those teens is 15-year-old Jason Arne, son of Paul and Barbara Arne of Atlanta, who just completed his freshman year at Lakeside High School.

This will be Jason’s second summer at Twin Lakes; he works the concession stand and helps coach the Thunder Bolts, a youth swim team based out of the center.

“I just need something to keep me busy in the summer,” Jason said of why he sought the job.

DeKalb County typically employs about 450 teens year-round in a mix of full- and part-time positions, according to county spokeswoman Kristie Swink.

Last month, the county government received more than $2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help teens find summer jobs.

The money, which will be distributed through the county’s Workforce Development Department, will help about 800 additional teens find something to keep them busy this summer. Hiring began in late April.

“The funds will be used for youth employment preparation, work experience, summer school/remedial training and pre-apprenticeships during the summer period of May 1 through Sept. 30,” Ms. Swink said in an e-mailed statement.

“This summer our worksites include DeKalb County government departments such as Public Works, Parks and Recreation, non-profit and community-based organizations, health care and private businesses.”

DeKalb Workforce Development is at 320 Church St. in Decatur.

Information: (404) 687-3400 or visit www.dekalbworkforce.org.