Future Forecast: Groundhog Day Job Shadow Event Watch your shadow grow into a career path Save the Date: February 2, 2027Snow Date: February 4, 2027 Groundhog Day isn’t just about predicting the weather. On February 2, students across Lackawanna County will get a glimpse into their own futures during the Groundhog Day Job Shadow Event! Designed for students in grades 5–8, this event connects students with local businesses to explore real-world careers and industries in our region. Students will visit a local business for an approximately two-hour career exploration experience, where they’ll observe professionals in action, learn about different roles, and discover how school subjects connect to the world of work. The experience helps spark curiosity, build career awareness, and introduce students to future pathways right here in Lackawanna County. PROGRAM SPONSOR For Businesses: Host a Class & Inspire Future Talent Local businesses are invited to host students and introduce them to your company, industry, and workforce. Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, business services, construction, logistics, or another industry, your participation helps students see the many career opportunities available in our community. Host Information: Event Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2027 Snow Date: Thursday, February 4, 2027 Experience: Approximately two hours Location: Your workplace Minimum Capacity: Businesses must be able to accommodate at least 15 students, plus chaperones. Eligibility: Businesses must be members of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Weather: Because the event takes place in February, participating businesses must be prepared to accommodate the designated snow date if needed. Arrival: School schedules vary. Businesses will work with their assigned school to coordinate an appropriate arrival time and logistics, with Skills in Scranton serving as the intermediary. Deadline to Sign Up: December 15, 2026 Businesses should be prepared to provide an engaging, age-appropriate experience that gives students an opportunity to learn about your workplace, employees, careers, and industry. Sign Up to Host For Schools: Give Your Students a Glimpse of the Future Groundhog Day Job Shadow brings career exploration to life by giving students in grades 5–8 the opportunity to visit a local business and experience the world of work firsthand. Students will tour a workplace, learn about careers, ask questions, and see how their education connects to opportunities in Lackawanna County. What’s Included: Approximately two-hour career exploration experience at a local business Business placement based on student interests and business availability Transportation reimbursement: Skills in Scranton will reimburse participating schools for the cost of transportation to and from the assigned business. Snow date: February 4, 2027 Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 School Responsibilities Because each school has its own schedule and transportation needs, schools will work directly with their assigned business to coordinate arrival logistics. Each participating school must: Skills in Scranton staff will assign participating schools to businesses based on business availability. Schools should be prepared to fill the student openings available at their assigned business. Identify one main point of contact to work with the assigned business and Skills in Scranton. Coordinate with the business on group size and arrival time. Communicate transportation and scheduling details with the business. Ensure students and chaperones are prepared for the workplace experience. Be prepared to participate on the designated snow date if weather requires the event to be rescheduled. Skills in Scranton will serve as the intermediary between schools and businesses throughout the coordination process to help ensure a successful experience. Apply to Participate Transportation Reimbursement Skills in Scranton will reimburse participating schools for transportation costs associated with traveling to and from their assigned business. Schools are responsible for arranging transportation and coordinating their transportation schedule with the business. Because school start times and transportation schedules vary, there will not be a standard departure or arrival time for all participants. Skills in Scranton will help facilitate communication between the school and business to coordinate arrival logistics and ensure both parties have the information needed for the experience. Weather & Snow Date Groundhog Day Job Shadow takes place in February, when winter weather can impact travel. All participating businesses and schools must be able to accommodate the designated snow date of February 4, 2027. If the event must be postponed due to inclement weather, Skills in Scranton will communicate the decision and coordinate next steps with participating schools and businesses.
