Business & Tech

Go Back to School: Volunteers Wanted for Student Shadow Day

The Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce will send local professionals back to middle school and high school with its Feb. 2 Ground Hog Shadow Day.

It’s a way to get students involved in local businesses—with a twist.

On Feb. 2, the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its second Ground Hog Shadow Day. Part of the chamber's Partners in Education program, the event will pair area professionals with t middle school and high school students.

“You’ve seen a lot of job shadowing programs—this is kind of different,” said chamber President/CEO Bridget Domberg.

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Instead of having students follow their business mentor around for the day, the mentor will come to them. Local professionals are invited to visit Romeoville schools to experience a day in the life of a student.

“Everyone that did it last year really enjoyed it,” Domberg said. “It’s been a long time since any of them were in those chairs.”

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First Midwest Bank Crest Hill Branch Manager Jen Coyne was one of the local businesspeople who took a trip down memory lane last year. She spent several hours at , experiencing what life is like for vocational students. Coyne, herself a Wilco alum, said it was a chance for her to revisit her days as a high school student.

“It was refreshing to see the kids excited about learning and being in their shoes and (seeing) what their day is like,” she said.

Coyne said she attended child development, culinary arts and nursing classes.

“I think it was interesting seeing the kids in that atmosphere,” particularly since most Wilco students are planning for their careers, she added.

“This is a classroom setting that is potentially going to be their future jobs,” Coyne said. “It was exciting to see how passionate they are about (their careers).”

Domberg said she also hopes to shadow a student this year.

“I didn’t get the chance to do it last year, and I’m hoping to participate,” she said.

The chamber is also looking for more area professionals to volunteer. During the shadow day, which coincides with Groundhog Day, volunteers will spend an hour or more at , , or .

“You can do it for an hour, you can do it for four hours, whatever your schedule allows,” Domberg said.

To sign up, contact the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce by Monday, Jan. 24, at 815-886-2076 or info@romeovillechamber.org.


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