Despite good news this past week about the nation's unemployment rate, the job market remains tough.
But one group in particular - teenagers - is facing harder prospects than ever.
In fact, the employment rate nationwide for 16- to 19-year-olds is only about 29 percent, which is the lowest recorded rate for teens in history.
Now a local group, Common Wealth Development, is hoping to change teenagers' employment fortunes.
One local employed teen, LaFollette High School senior Cieria Childress, finds bagging groceries at Metcalfe's Sentry to be a pleasure.
In the six months since she landed her job, Childress has learned many life lessons - including simply being thankful to be employed.
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