I've had some experience with hiring college students for track work, including brush cutting, installing ties, dressings ballast. etc. The most important detail is having a competent and knowledgeable supervisor to manage the work force. Many of these young guys have little experience doing hard physical work, and they really don't know what is expected of them. I recall one big bruiser of a football player who worked half a day on the track gang and walked away from it. The foreman called me and I picked the kid up and took him to his car. When I asked him why he was bailing out before lunch, he said he'd had enough railroading in one morning to last a lifetime. My point is, you can't simply turn a gang of young men loose and point them in the right direction. An experienced supervisor is necessary. Do we have any interested volunteers?
Another thing to consider is that most college students, if they are seeking summer work, are looking for 10 or 12 weeks of work, not a week or two. They work because they need the money, and a one or two week gig, even at premium pay, may not attract many candidates.
As Dave mentioned above, some museums make good use of community service/work release inmates. These are people who are doing time for non-violent crimes and are eager to get out of jail for 6-8 hours a day. They are often available to work for non-profit organizations. The usual routine has the group delivered to the work site by a van. They may or may not be accompanied by a corrections officer. The non-profit is required to provide supervision and may also have to provide a bag lunch. At the end of the work day, the van returns them to the correctional facility. I know of two museums here in Pennsylvania who employ such workers for a couple of days each month to mow grass, tend flower beds, dress ballast, pick up old ties and other low skill tasks. They have done so for more than 10 years with no problems. Something to consider....
