GENERAL INFORMATION:

Job shadowing is the newest graduation requirement mandated by the State Department of Education and approved by the HTSD School Board. 

Students will participate in a minimum of a 3-hour job shadow experience during each of their 9th, 10th, and 11th grade year (9 hours total to graduate). Job shadowing is a career exploration activity. Students gain exposure to careers that they are interested in pursuing by working with business volunteers. For a short period of time, up to several days, students spend the work day as a shadow to a competent worker. By visiting a workplace, investigating a career field and industry, and experiencing a typical day on the job, students can determine if the career and industry fits their interests and career aspirations (PA Department of Education: PA Career Standards; Electronic Toolkit).

Students can participate in a full 3-hour experience or can participate in shorter experiences adding up to at least 3 hours per year. These experiences can take place during the SUMMER, AFTER SCHOOL, ON WEEKENDS or DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

Each year, up to 10 hours is an excused absence from school for a job shadow pending permission and proper documentation.  All documents to the left are accessible by students and parents.

• Prior to completing a job shadow, students who are missing school should complete and submit the Job Shadowing Absence form. Hard copies of this document can be found in the Attendance Office, and completed forms should be submitted to the Attendance Office as well.

• After the job shadow experience, students must complete the HHS Career Shadowing Reflection Form to help them navigate post-secondary education and career goals.

Class of 2026 and beyond...

• 9 hours for graduation (3 in 9th, 5 in 10th, 5 in 11th)