RCSD students step into real workplaces across Rochester during hands-on Job Shadow Week

Rochester, New York – High school seniors from the Rochester City School District stepped out of their classrooms and into real workplaces earlier this month as part of a districtwide Job Shadow Week designed to expose students to life after graduation.

From February 2 through February 5, more than 300 RCSD students took part in the annual initiative, visiting businesses, hospitals, government offices, and trade organizations across the Rochester area. The goal was simple but powerful: give students a firsthand look at different careers and help them better understand the paths available to them once high school ends.

Instead of sitting behind desks, students spent their days observing professionals at work, asking questions, and seeing how classroom learning connects to real-world jobs. For many participants, the experience offered their first close-up view of what a typical workday looks like in fields they may be considering.

One of the sites welcoming students was Channel 13, Rochester’s ABC television affiliate. On Thursday, students toured the station and explored areas normally unseen by the public. They walked through the main news studio, visited the control room where broadcasts are produced, and stopped by the weather office to learn how forecasts come together. Along the way, students were introduced to the wide range of roles required to put a live newscast on the air, including reporting, technical operations, production, and sales.

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District leaders say these kinds of experiences can be eye-opening, especially for students who may not have personal connections to certain industries.

“It’s important to allow students to meet companies and organizations in the neighborhood,” said Sheldon Cox, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for the Rochester City School District. “This gives students a chance to figure out what they want to do after high school, explore a career up close, see what it looks like behind the scenes, understand what each person does, and learn about the different pathways people take to get there.”

Channel 13 was just one of many participating organizations. Students also visited local government offices, including departments within the City of Rochester. Healthcare settings played a major role as well, with Rochester Regional Health and URMC Strong Memorial Hospital opening their doors to students interested in medical and support careers.

Public safety agencies were another popular stop. Students shadowed professionals at the District Attorney’s Office, public defender’s office, Sheriff’s Office, and Rochester Police Department, gaining insight into careers focused on law, justice, and community safety. Skilled trade unions also participated, including Carpenters Local 276 and Local 13 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and HVACR Service Techs, offering students exposure to hands-on careers that are in high demand.

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Job Shadow Week is closely tied to RCSD’s Career and Technical Education programs, which aim to prepare students with both academic knowledge and practical skills. Through CTE programs, students are expected to complete workplace learning hours that may include job shadowing, co-op placements, and internships.

District officials say these experiences help students make more informed decisions about their futures. Graduates of CTE programs leave high school with multiple options, whether that means continuing on to a college or university, entering the workforce directly, or enrolling in technical or trade training programs.

For many students, Job Shadow Week serves as a turning point, helping them narrow their interests or discover careers they had never considered before. By connecting students with local employers and professionals, RCSD hopes to build stronger pathways from high school to meaningful careers throughout the Rochester community.