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Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative launches inaugural Job Shadow Week
The Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative and Central San Joaquin K-16 Partnership announced the inaugural Job Shadow Week, scheduled for Feb. 3 through 7. This initiative, inspired by National Groundhog Job Shadow Day, will connect students, primarily from local high schools, with a diverse array of professionals across the region, providing insights into various careers.
Throughout the week, students will shadow professionals in fields such as health care, education, business, manufacturing and more. By observing and interacting with experienced workers, students will gain a deeper understanding of how the skills they learn in school translate into real-world applications.
Local businesses and professionals are invited to volunteer as job shadow hosts. “Together, we can inspire the next generation and help them navigate their career paths with confidence,” said Karri Hammerstrom, executive director of the Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative and lead for the Central San Joaquin K-16 Partnership.
The Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative – a Fresno State Foundation program – is dedicated to equipping students with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to succeed in their future careers.
“Job shadowing is an essential career development tool that allows students to work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining first-hand experience in different job roles,” Hammerstrom said.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day, established by America’s Promise – Alliance for Youth, Junior Achievement, Society for Human Resource Management and the U.S. Department of Labor – serves as a foundation for this initiative. It pairs students with mentors from participating organizations, helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and practical career skills.
This year, both Fresno Unified and Sanger Unified School Districts are partnering with local employers such as the Fresno County Department of Public Health, the Better Business Bureau, CMAC IMAGO, Keiser Company, Fresno Chamber of Commerce, Cornerstone Care Center, ADCO Manufacturing, and Sanger High School to place students. Participating employers get increased visibility within the community, strengthen ties to local education and help shape the region’s future workforce.
The Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Partnership, a collaboration of the Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative and the Tulare-Kings College and Career Collaborative, was created to achieve the equity-focused educational and socio-economic goals for the region’s K-16 students.
For more information, or to sign up as a host, contact Rachel Klassen at 559.492.7045 or klassenrachel@mail.
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