The Logan County and Russellville Independent School Districts, Logan County Economic Development Commission and 4-H Program are sponsoring a Career Shadowing program that promises to present students with hands on-education into the career world.

This program is a product of the Reality Store program, which is where eighth grade students are given the amount of one month's salary-- after taxes-- of the career they are interested in pursuing.

The students must then go through a series of booths to make car and house payments, buy food, pay for childcare, purchase clothes, etc.

The Shadowing program itself utilizes learning through observation and is an excellent way to form partnerships between employers and local schools.

The program is an opportunity for employers and schools to work together to aid the educational process.

It is an opportunity for students to spend a limited amount of time with an individual in a chosen occupation in order to become familiar with the duties associated with that occupation, the physical setting of that occupation and the compatibility of the occupation with his/her own career goals.

Shadowing provides a relevant learning experience outside the classroom and employers are able to contribute to the education of youth, promote their company and showcase occupations.

Although this is the first year for this program, facilitators hope to continue its success in the future.

Any employer who wishes to participate in future shadowing programs can contact Becky McIntosh at the Logan County Economic Development Commission at 726-9575.