Jobs are already scarce, and now a new group of prospective employees is about to hit the streets looking for work -- high school and college students who are trying to make money over the summer.

Students typically use the summer months to earn money for college, car insurance, spending and other expenses, but a lack of available jobs could leave them scrambling for cash this summer.

USA Today reported that according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment for 16- to 19-year-olds was 21.7 percent in March, which was up from 15.8 percent a year ago. It marked the highest unemployment rate for that age group since 1992.

Tougher Competition For Jobs

Part of the reason for the decline could be because teens are competing with more people -- including adults -- for fewer jobs during the recession.

One popular summer destination that typically attracts many student workers is Wisconsin Dells, which features water parks, hotels and family restaurants.

Romy Snyder, the executive director of the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau, said that the tourist spot has seen an increase in people coming in on foot looking for jobs, which Snyder said was about "50 percent more people than we would have seen last year."

She said the area has also seen a change in the type of applicants. Snyder said Wisconsin Dells mainly attracted high school and college applicants, but that this year "it's all across the board."

Six Flags also saw a similar change in applicants. Spokeswoman Sandra Daniels told USA Today that the amusement parks have received applications from retirees, teachers looking to make extra money and people who have been laid off.

While the increase in applicants is good for companies, who can be more selective in hiring, it's a problem for teens.

Maripat Joyce, 16, got a job working at a Sonic drive-in for the summer, but some of her friends weren't as fortunate.

The Minnesota high school student said about half of her friends are struggling to find jobs.

"I had friends apply at Sonic, YMCA, Caribou and the Mall of America," Joyce said. "One girl said that a bunch of jobs are telling them that (all of the jobs) are full."

One of Joyce's friends was told by a local grocery store to come in before school one morning for an interview, and when she got there, the position had already been filled.

Where Can Students Look For Work?

Renee Ward, the founder of Teens4Hire.org, said teenagers need to look for jobs in industries that peak during the summer months.

She suggested looking for positions in hotels, trying to work as a lifeguard and looking for positions in shipping and moving. Grocery stores might need workers to fill in while other employees take vacation.

She also said to not overlook the more undesirable jobs -- like in fast food. Ward said surveys indicate that fast-food jobs are among the least popular with teenagers, but that because fewer people might be applying there, they might have openings.

Ward also recommends that teens think creativity. She said that a job with a regular paycheck isn't the only way to earn money."

She said that teens looking to make money should consider trying to sell items on eBay, tutoring younger students, mowing lawns and becoming self-employed.

Ward said some teens she's worked with have opened their own dog grooming businesses, worked as party planners and performed as DJs at local parties.

For teens and college students who are unable to find any type of paid position, Ward said not to overlook a volunteer position. She said volunteering helps students develop work skills and it's a great experience for them to put on their resumes.

While the job search might be frustrating for high school and college students this summer, Ward said they might be better off for it.

"They're going to learn lessons that the group a decade above them didn't -- that jobs don't come easy," Ward said.

Ward added that teens might appreciate jobs more when they do get them, and that they will know that they need to be smart and work hard to get and retain jobs.