NC students getting a look at work with appeal

The goal of the Students@Work Week initiative starting that starts Monday is for businesses to help students see opportunities that appeal to them in the workplace and to offer new goals for graduation.

"The more chances we have to mentor to our students in the workplace, the more likely we are to develop an interest in continuing their education," said Dale Whitworth, chairman of the the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, which is supporting the initiative.

The program targets adolescents because middle school is a crucial time for dropout prevention.

"Dropping out doesn't just limit a young person's options. It affects the economic prosperity of our state," said First Gentleman Bob Eaves.

Participating students will get a chance to learn firsthand about careers in healthcare, the legal system, the tourism industry, banking, biotechnology, energy production and how to refurbish a computer. They will participate in job shadowing and mentoring programs at more than 125 businesses.

"Exploring careers through job shadowing is a way for students to see that they can have a bright future and that education is the key to that future," Eaves said.