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CONTACT:
Kimberly Breeden
Big Brothers Big Sisters
919 286.7155
info@bbbsdo.org

IBM Hosts Students Shadow Day at Riverside High

DURHAM,NC, 31 January 2003—IBM—Research Triangle Park, NC will join businesses across the country in participating in Groundhog Job Shadow Day, January 31, the kickoff to Job Shadowing 2003. Onthis day the Big Brothers Big Sisters-Riverside High youth mentoring group will get an up-close look at how the skills they learn in school are put into action in the workplace.

Job shadowing is an academically motivating activity designed to answer the question, "Why do I have to learn this?" Students will shadow an IBM host/mentor for a half day and participate in workplace activities.

Job Shadowing Day at IBM will include a kick-off session hosted by Sharon Hill, Mgr. Marketing Solutions. Students will then be paired with their IBM host/employee who matches their career interest, i.e. Engineering, Finance, and Law. A tour of IBM labs is scheduled followed by lunch.

"Our shadows will get a sense of what its like to be a member of our IBM community," says Allan Younger, RTA Diversity Programs Manager. "We'll show them how the skills they learn in school are put to use in the workplace."

The Riverside High School students "shadows" are kids who are participating in the Big Brothers Big Sisters site-based mentoring program and are at risk of not completing their education. Kim Breeden, Exec. Dir., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Durham & Orange Counties explains, "We want to inspire these kids and to be enthusiastic about their studies. Job shadowing is an opportunity to show them how education can be translated into rewarding futures. IBM's interest in hosting our kids truly demonstrates their commitment and reputation as leading corporate citizen and a caring organization."

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