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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2008

BUSINESS PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEIR JOBS SHARE THAT PASSION WITH YOUNG PEOPLE DURING THE MONTH OF LOVE

Job lovers challenge idea that most workers hate their jobs

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Valentine’s Day is approaching and can’t you just feel the love—for your job? Some people appear to make sport out of hating their jobs but, increasingly, studies show that Americans actually like their jobs and are proud of their workplaces. Hundreds of business people are taking that stand during the month of love this February. That’s when volunteers who love their jobs will share that passion with middle- and high-school students participating in JA Job Shadow™, a one-day mentoring program sponsored by Junior Achievement.

Best Buy Children’s Foundation, the national title sponsor, provides program support throughout the U.S. and funding for Job Shadow events in more than 150 Best Buy stores.

“JA provides a national platform for business people to use their experience, insight and knowledge of the workplace to motivate and mentor students to succeed in school and in life,” said Sean C. Rush, president and chief executive officer of JA Worldwide. “JA Job Shadow™ introduces students to the workplace and the career opportunities available to them. We encourage business people who are passionate about their jobs to share it with a kid.”

Job Shadow is an academically motivating activity designed to give kids the unique opportunity of an up-close look at the world of work. No matter what career they choose, the Job Shadow experience helps kids become “work-ready” by taking them into the workplace and showing them how education and training translate to success on the job. Kids are then able to make the connection between school and the workplace.

According to Rush, job shadowing provides the “soft” skills needed to succeed in the workplace such as leadership, creative thinking and teaching the value of teamwork. Junior Achievement internal evaluations indicate the four most popular workplace-school connections observed by students are: the importance of good communication and listening skills; how teamwork will help them succeed in the workplace; the importance of knowing computer applications; and the steps one must take to apply for a job, and to keep a job.

Furthermore, a recent Junior Achievement Harris Interactive poll of U.S. teens reveals that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) have a role model—someone they look up to or want to be like. Forty-two percent said the most important attribute in a role model is that the person “tries to positively impact society through his/her business practices.” JA Job Shadow™ presents an opportunity for business people to become that role model and mentor a teen for a day.

Job Shadow events are held nationwide throughout the year, beginning in February, and involving hundreds of thousands of students annually. In addition to the national support provided by Best Buy Children’s Foundation, many corporate sponsors generously donate money and volunteers at the local level.

About JA Worldwide® (Junior Achievement)

JA Worldwide is the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA Worldwide provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12. JA Worldwide offers educational programs that focus on three key content areas: entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Today, 140 individual JA operations reach more than four million students in the United States, with an additional 4.3 million students served by operations in 114 other countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

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