What is Groundhog Job Shadow Day and
Job Shadowing 2017?
Groundhog Job Shadow Day, now in its 19th year, will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017. This will be the national kickoff to a yearlong initiative that gives students across America the chance to “shadow” a workplace mentor as he or she goes through a day on the job. This provides young people nationwide with an up-close look at how skills learned in school are put to use in the workplace. Start a new trend in your agriculture community and let’s have 10,000agriculture students and businesses participate in Job Shadowing 2017.
How did Groundhog Job Shadow Day get started?
Many middle school and high school kids previously didn’t have the opportunity to explore various career options firsthand by visiting a workplace. In 1996, the first local Job Shadow Day was conducted in Boston. In 1997, the National Job Shadow Coalition was formed to encourage participation in a shadowing initiative across the United States. The goal was to help young people explore firsthand the skills and education needed to succeed in today’s and future job markets, and to encourage the development of relationships between students and caring adults. Given the current economy, students need these valuable experiences more than ever.
When is Groundhog Job Shadow Day?
Thursday, February 2, 2017 is the kickoff to Job Shadowing 2017, a yearlong initiative. Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow on February 2 this year, along with hundreds of thousands of employees who will see theirs on February 2, as part of Groundhog Job Shadow Day.
How is it different from other career education initiatives?
Groundhog Job Shadow Day gives kids a chance to explore various careers beyond what their parents may do for a living. Job shadowing also provides an opportunity for students in at-risk situations to be exposed to various career options they otherwise might not have the chance to explore.
Who coordinates the Job Shadowing initiative?
Job Shadowing 2017 is, no longer funded through federal money, but as agriculture instructors, we can make a difference in student’s lives. Agriculture instructors across the state of California need to be the model for other states and programs.
Who sponsors Job Shadowing?
Job Shadowing 2017 can be supported through grant money. Most materials needed are free or low cost
Where will Groundhog Job Shadow Day 2017 take place?
At more than 100,000 participating businesses and organizations across the country. Participating employers coordinate and support employees to serve as workplace mentors by using the resources available on this website.
Past workplace mentors include:
- Former President H.W. George Bush
- Secretary of State Colin Powell
- Then Governor Jesse Ventura and hundreds of other Governors, Mayors and other elected officials
- Monster CEO Jeff Taylor
- Miss America Angela Perez Baraquio
- Today Show anchors, Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Al Roker, and Ann Curry
Where can you learn more about Job Shadowing and order information?
Call Lori Marchy 209-575-6449