Job Shadow Program Merits National Award for USI

Employees of the University of Southern Indiana who volunteered their time to mentor junior high students in a Job Shadow program over the last decade were recognized for their efforts when Junior Achievement presented a national Bronze Leadership Award to President H. Ray Hoops and the University. Martin Rowland, executive director of the local chapter of Junior Achievement, presented the award.

Mr. Rowland said, “The award is for President Hoops’ personal involvement but also for getting the University of Southern Indiana involved in the Job Shadow program.” USI has participated in the Job Shadow program since 1998.

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation is a partner in the program with JA. The Job Shadow program allows eighth grade students in the EVSC to shadow professionals for a morning to see firsthand how skills learned in school relate to the workplace. Students complete a survey listing which careers or jobs they have interests. At USI students are paired with teachers, administrators, and clerical staff who have careers that closely parallel the careers students list.

Over 125 different companies and institutions participate in the local Job Shadow program. The program has grown to include about 2,000 students this past year.