BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Summer Youth Employment Program in Benton Harbor is off to a great start, city officials said Monday.

Through the city-funded program, 25 local high school students living in Benton Harbor have been hired to help with city beautification projects.

"From picking up trash to landscaping public parks, these students are playing an active role in keeping Benton Harbor clean, safe, and welcoming," a city spokesperson said.

Officials say the program has existed in various forms over the course of the last few decades and provides local youth with not just a paycheck, but a chance to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and give back to their city.

“I’m very appreciative to be working for the city this summer,” said Mickael Clark, a youth participant in the program.

“It’s been a fun experience, and I’ve made new friends while helping keep our city clean and looking nice.”

City officials say the program is just part of a focus on youth development and community pride.

"We wish our program could be larger and that it involved more youth," said City Manager Alex Little.

“The source of our funding is HUD's Community Development Block Grant program, which limits us to using 15 percent of the total funds for public services. This category includes both youth employment and senior nutrition services that we provide."

As the summer continues, residents can expect to see youth crews out and about, contributing to a cleaner and more vibrant Benton Harbor.

“This has been good—meeting new people and making new friendships. Lately we’ve been picking up trash and doing landscaping in our parks," Student worker Jakayla Scott. "And I've been enjoying it.”

For more information, please contact Nicholas Gunn at 269-470-0570.

"Whether assisting in public spaces, supporting city events, or completing daily maintenance tasks, these young workers are playing a visible and valuable role in Benton Harbor’s ongoing efforts to improve city community spaces," a city spokesperson said.