Each February, the lodging industry participates in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day (NGJSD), a one-day, hands-on learning and mentoring experience that gives young people a new perspective on their studies, while introducing them to the vast array of careers available in the lodging industry.

In 2011, for the 14th year in a row, AH&LA and its partner state associations are encouraging high school students nationwide to spend part of their day "shadowing" a hotel employee as he or she goes through a normal work day.  Students typically spend a half-day at the job site, where they observe the role of a particular staff member and engage in workplace activities.

We hope you will join the more than one million students and 100,000 businesses who are involved with this rewarding campaign.  We’ve compiled all the resources you need to Plan, Prep, and Participate and have a successful National Groundhog Job Shadow Day at your property.

Ready to participate?  Please email Kathryn potter at kpotter@ahla.com or fill out this online form by December 3, 2010, if you plan to participate in NGJSD 2011.

NGJSD is a joint effort of America's Promise - Alliance for Youth, Junior Achievement, and the U.S. Department of Labor.