WHEREAS, Junior Achievement plays a leading role in providing the future of our country with valuable hands-on experience to prepare students to succeed in the free-market economy; and
     WHEREAS, Job shadowing plays an important role in preparing today's students for tomorrow's work force; and
     WHEREAS, Job shadowing enables students to observe the skills that are needed in today's fast-paced work environments; and
     WHEREAS, By job shadowing, students see the relevance of their education and understand the importance of lifelong learning in career success; and
     WHEREAS, Job shadowing provides students with an up-close look at many possible careers; and
     WHEREAS, Job shadowing creates an opportunity for the entire community to easily become involved in the education of our youth; and
     WHEREAS, Three national organizations -- Junior Achievement, America's Promise, and the United States Department of Labor -- have become partners to increase job shadowing opportunities across the country; and
     WHEREAS, Locally, Junior Achievement of Greater Puget Sound is partnering with members of the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives to provide job shadowing opportunities for many local area students; and
     WHEREAS, The State of Washington supports the involvement of community workplaces in providing job shadowing opportunities for our students;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate, on behalf of the people of our state, recognize the valuable contribution made by Junior Achievement and the Groundhog Job Shadow Day to the education and career development of Washington's youth; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to representatives of Junior Achievement of Greater Puget Sound.