RPS 205 high school students had the opportunity to job shadow local professionals whose work aligns with their career interests in service-oriented fields. Over 400 students participated in this hands-on experience to help them explore pathways in Education, Hospitality, and Public Safety.
The job shadowing experience is designed for students interested in careers in social justice, law enforcement, detective work, fire science, teaching, child development, and other public service sectors. Students were able to gain valuable insight into their future careers, network with industry professionals, and see firsthand what these important roles entail.
A big thank you goes out to the local businesses and organizations that opened their doors to these eager students. The following businesses and institutions hosted job shadowing opportunities:
Abreo
Quixotic Bakery
Beef-A-Roo
Johnson Elementary
Beyer Early Childhood Center
Third Presbyterian Church
Fairview Early Childhood Center
City of Rockford Police Department
City of Rockford Fire Department
Winnebago County State's Attorney Office
Winnebago County Courthouse
Wesley Willows
City of Loves Park Police Department
Dellisart Hospitality (Holiday Inn Express)
RPS 205's College & Career Academies provide students with real-world experiences through partnerships with local businesses and professionals. This initiative links classroom learning with hands-on career opportunities, ensuring students are better prepared for both college and the workforce upon graduation.
This job shadowing experience is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and explore their future careers. Through these experiences, students gain not only a clearer sense of their career interests but also the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields.