RCSD Students Explore Careers Across Rochester During Job Shadow Week

High school seniors from the Rochester City School District (RCSD) traded classrooms for workplaces during Job Shadow Week, February 2–5. More than 300 students participated in the Districtwide event, visiting a wide range of local businesses and organizations to explore different careers and see professionals in action.

One of the participating workplaces was Channel 13, the ABC television affiliate, where students visited on Thursday. There, they got an inside look at the world of live television news, touring the main studio, control room, and weather office while learning about the many roles that go into producing a broadcast, from on-air reporting to operational and sales functions.

"It's important to allow students to meet companies and organizations in the neighborhood," said Sheldon Cox, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for the Rochester City School District. "This gives students a chance to figure out what they want to do after high school, explore a career up close, see what it looks like behind the scenes, understand what each person does, and learn about the different pathways people take to get there."

Other participating businesses included local government offices such as the City of Rochester, healthcare systems including Rochester Regional Health and URMC Strong Memorial Hospital, public safety agencies like the District Attorney, public defender, Sheriff’s Office, and Rochester Police Department, as well as skilled trade unions such as Carpenters Local 276 and Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and HVACR Service Techs. These opportunities gave students a broad perspective on potential career paths.

CTE Programs in the RCSD provide high school students with academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in future careers. As part of the CTE program, students are expected to earn workplace learning hours, including job shadowing, co-ops, and internships. Students who graduate from CTE programs have multiple options for their future, including continuing their education at colleges and universities, entering the workforce, or participating in technical training.