Job Shadowing Sheds Light on Defense Work

About 30 Washington area students participated in the Defense shadow day, coming from Ballou Senior High, Benjamin Banneker, the Edison Academy, the Fairfax Academy and T. C. Williams.

They were part of an estimated 280 students attending technology job shadow days across the government, drawn from 27 area high schools. The schools included Anacostia, Cardoza, Chantilly, Frederick Douglas, Gaithersburg, Springbrook, West Potomac and Wheaton.

The government's effort was organized by the Federal Chief Information Officers Council, an interagency group, in partnership with the Association for Federal Information Resources Management, a nonprofit group; and Junior Achievement, a group dedicated to educating young people about business and economics.

Last week's events marked a reinvigoration of technology shadow day. It was last held in 2003, drawing about 100 students from nine high schools for visits at nine agencies.

Doris McGuire, a co-chair with Ned Kieloch of the information officers council's student outreach subcommittee, said organizers went into the event hoping to match past participation and double the turnout. The advance planning paid off.

She said the students turned in feedback cards with comments, such as "I had a first-hand experience of what people do at work" and "How cool is that!"

Jonathon Glad, a senior at Thomas Edison High School in Alexandria, told reporters that he decided to participate in the shadow day because of his interest in technology and he wanted to see the Pentagon. He said he thinks technology will mesh with his career plan -- to join the Army after completion of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.