One Million Youths to Explore Their Futures when Job Shadow Day 2004 Kicks Off February 2nd

High-Growth Careers in High Tech and Healthcare among Those to Be Featured

Washington, DC – Punxsutawney Phil may or may not see his shadow on Groundhog Day, but more than one million young people will have a chance to explore their futures when they “shadow” workplace mentors as part of the seventh annual Groundhog Job Shadow Day initiative, which kicks off on Groundhog Day, February 2, 2004.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, most of the 25 fastest-growing careers over the next ten years will be in the high tech and healthcare industries. High skill, high tech jobs will continue to be created as technology plays a greater role in our day-to-day lives. Health care professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists and speech pathologists, will be in even more demand as Baby Boomers retire from the healthcare industry and their healthcare needs increase.

Despite the soft economy, many industries have jobs that are going unfilled,î said Stuart Shapiro, Director of the Job Shadow Coalition. ìJob Shadow Day provides an opportunity to introduce young people to a variety of careers they may not have otherwise been aware of so that they can better explore their options.

Job Shadow is a yearlong national effort to enrich the lives of students by acquainting them with the world of work through on-the-job experiences and a carefully crafted school curriculum that ties academics to the workplace. National Job Shadow is a coordinated effort of America’s Promise, Junior Achievement and the U.S. Department of Labor. Monster and News Corporation are the major co-sponsors.

Last year, more than one million of America’s youth were able to experience more than 100,000 workplaces throughout the nation. For additional information including a How-to Guide, brochure, and an online training presentation on how to coordinate Job Shadow ing, visit www.jobshadow.org. For more information contact info@jobshadow.org. Free materials can be ordered from a fulfillment house by calling 800-373-3174.

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