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What is Groundhog Job Shadow Day?
Groundhog Job Shadow Day is an exciting day for both students and employers.  Every February 2nd, students throughout the United States will spend part of the day in the workplace "shadowing" employees through a normal day on the job. Students engage in early career exploration that leads to better-informed career choices.  Employers have the opportunity to present industry trends and career options to potential future employees in their own locales.

Who organizes the program?
Locally, Junior Achievement of Silicon Valley & Monterey Bay, Inc, work in collaboration with NOVA and the Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Network, to send middle and high school students to job shadow opportunities in area businesses.  On a nationwide basis, The Groundhog Job Shadow Day Coalition includes America’s Promise, Junior Achievement, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Labor.  Partners joining in 2007 included the Society for Human Resource Management, the Association for Career & technical Education and Magazine Publishers of America.

Why was it started?
Job shadowing engages students in the world of work by demonstrating the connection between academics and careers, and motivating students to learn by making their classwork more relevant. Students also find out what skills and education might be needed in the work-world of tomorrow. 

How long has this been happening?
The first national Job Shadow event was created over 10 years ago. Last year, more than 2,000 students participated in the Silicon Valley & Monterey Bay area.

Does Job Shadowing make a difference?
A study by 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.

Who participates?
Middle and High School students from Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties participate annually.  More than 140 local companies/organizations participated last year, including, Symantec, Agilent, AT&T, Santa Clara County Superior Courts, Comerica Bank, Kaiser, Siemens, IBM, Polycom, Synopsys, and the Fairmont Hotel.

Why Groundhog Job Shadow Day?

  • To motivate students to excel academically
  • To engage students in career exploration
  • To involve a variety of local employers in the education of the future workforce

How can I get involved?
Please fill in the host registration form and turn it in at the career center or register online - we will definitely contact you. A sample agenda and activity plan for the host are also available online. Thank you so much in advance!


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