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What is Groundhog Job Shadow Day? Designed to give middle grades and high school students an up-close look at the world of work, Groundhog Job Shadow Day helps students better understand the very real connection between the workplace and school subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Each year hundreds of thousands of students and businesses participated in event nationwide.

Why was it started? Clearly, a need exists to connect the world of school and work. Many middle school and high school students don't have opportunities to explore various career options. In 1997, the first national Job Shadow Day was created to take young people into the workplace to find out what skills and education might be needed for the workplace of tomorrow.

Who coordinates the program? The Groundhog Job Shadow Day Coalition includes America’s Promise, Junior Achievement, and the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor. New partners for 2006 include the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Magazine Publishers of America (MPA).

How is this different from other career education events? Groundhog Job Shadow Day gives students a chance to explore career options beyond what their parents may do for a living. It also provides an opportunity for students in “at-risk situations” to be exposed to various career options by taking them to actual places of employment.

Does job shadowing make a difference? A study by the Kravis Leadership Institute in Southern California shows that students who job shadow are more likely to finish high school and obtain a four-year degree.

Where does Groundhog Job Shadow Day take place? The program takes place at participating for-profit and not-for-profit corporations and organizations throughout the United States. Student transportation to participating places of work is arranged by Junior Achievement.

Previous hosts to student shadows include:

• Former President George H. W. Bush

• Former Governor Jesse Ventura

• Katie Couric and Matt Lauer

• Secretary of State Colin Powell

• Monster Founder Jeff Taylor

• Former Miss America Angela Perez Baraquio

How do I get involved? Visit www.jobshadow.org for more information, or locally call Brenda at Junior Achievement of Central Iowa 515-279-9602.

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