Students are practically bouncing off the walls in excitement over the fact that summer is coming and they will soon be able to run free, get into trouble, and sneak into construction sites to climb on vacuum trucks. Parents, on the other hand, view the approach of summer vacation with a sort of resigned dread that soon they will be continually harassed for money and drives all over the city. How do you please both groups at the same time? With a summer youth program from the City of Phoenix.

Classes

Education and skills development need not be equated with school and boredom. By signing up your child for classes at your local Phoenix community center, you'll be getting him or her out of your hair and giving them the chance to go something fun. Whether your kid likes to crimp terminals or paint, there's a class he or she would enjoy. Here are just a few of the classes offered: computers, babysitting, fencing, cooking, art, guitar, dancing, piano, cheerleading, hip hop, Spanish, and gymnastics.

Sports

If your child is more of the outdoorsy or sports type, you can keep him or her from using your Bahco tools to destroy the yard by signing him or her up for a summer sports league or nature program. There's hiking, wildlife discovery, and swimming lessons on the outdoor side and just about every sport under the sun within the league umbrella. There's karate, basketball, golf, tennis, and volleyball, with the added option of a multi-sport league for those who are undecided or have multiple interests.

Youth Employment

If it's time for your teens to take on more responsibility, the City of Phoenix could give them their first jobs through this program. Ages 14-24 are accepted into the workforce connection program to do jobs such as pick up old heatshrink sleeving from city parks or help direct traffic at major summer events. Requirements are that they be from a low income family and have the right to work in the country. Applicants should also be in need of assistance to pay for school, have problems with literacy, a criminal record, be a parent or dropout, or a homeless, runaway, or foster child. Jobs are awarded by lottery.

Youth Internship

If your child has an interest in becoming a PCB designer or in working in a specific sector of the workforce, the summer internship program may be a better match. Through it applicants can experience what it's like to work in health care or manufacturing, or how to run a business. This program includes college credit and is open to 16-25 year olds. Applicants need to write an essay and submit references. Positions are determined by lottery.