Shadow Day offers insight to Eifel students Published Jan. 28, 2010 By Dana Hodges 52nd Fighter Wing School Liaison Officer SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Job Shadow Day is a nationwide event dedicated to giving students an opportunity to "shadow" a parent or a mentor at the workplace during the course of a duty day. The purpose of Job Shadow Day is to help students explore career options, while making a connection between the school and workplace. In addition, students gain insight into academic, technical and personal skills required to be successful at their chosen career. In the Eifel, fourth through 12th-grade students, will partner with groups, squadrons, and wing and base agencies for Job Shadow Day. Below are some common questions about Job Shadow Day: When is Job Shadow Day? Job Shadow Day is typically held on Groundhog's Day, Feb. 2. However, guidance from U.S. Air Forces Commander Gen. Roger A. Brady to all USAFE bases directed each commander to choose a date that works best for the mission. Therefore, the 52nd Fighter Wing will hold Job Shadow Day Jan. 29. How long are students allowed at the workplace? Job Shadow Day hours are 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Each parent or mentor can determine specific arrival and completion times for their student shadow. Students are asked to complete a minimum of four hours and no more than eight hours. Is transportation provided for the students? Parents and students are responsible to get to the job shadow destination. If a student is shadowing someone other than their parent, parents are asked to fully engage in the arrangements and notification process with the mentor. This will help ensure the safety of our students. Why should you get involved in Job Shadow Day? There are a number of reasons why both mentor and students should participate in Job Shadow Day. Students can: · Experience prospective career choices · Gain extra motivation to continue and succeed in school · Learn to understand answers to "Why do I have to learn this?" · See the connection between school and future success · Get a close look at a career and enjoy hands-on workplace experience · Gain personal confidence that success is attainable Mentors can: · Help prepare our future workforce · Strengthen and promote community involvement in education · Impact a young person's life in a positive and profound way Each grade level, all schools and participating students may enter an essay contest to compete for prizes. See your applicable school news bulletin's for more information on this contest or contact the school liaison officer at 52msg.dodds@spangdahlem.af.mil or DSN 452-6942 after Jan. 18. Participating groups, squadrons and base agencies will be asked to provide feedback after this event. Happy Job Shadowing!