Shadowing the Future of Student Employment

“Shadow Day” gives local students an opportunity to spend time at local businesses and get an idea of how they operate and how they might ultimately fit into that process.
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has been partnering with the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) for the past three years on the program, creating work-based learning experiences for students preparing for college and career.
One traditional Shadow Days host is the Pasadena Service Federal Credit Union (PFSCU). Recently, a host of high school students from PUSD dropped in to see how a professional office environment works and get some career advice from workers there.

“We’re so proud to continue our work with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and John Muir Early College Magnet High School to help educate and develop our future leaders,” said Andy Tien, vice president, marketing, PFSCU. “The job shadow program is an extension of our partnership where we help provide financial literacy, career mentorship, and work experience through our student-run credit union branch (Mustang Branch).”
Rosalina Ordaz, from John Muir High School Early College Magnet, was one of the students present.
“I really enjoyed my time job shadowing at Pasadena Service Federal Credit Union,” Ordaz said in a Facebook post. “Everyone was very helpful and it was nice to get a behind-the-scenes look at how an actual business runs.”

“Work-based learning can have a profound impact on students as they plan their future,” said Amy Foell, Workforce Development Director, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. “Many of the PUSD high schoolers we placed have been hired by their host or gone on to pursue a course of study in college that matches their placement. We are working to create a pipeline of local talent for Pasadena.”
Shadow Day and other related programs are often coordinated with Pasadena Youth Works, a collaboration of public, educational, private, business, arts and nonprofit organizations sponsored by the Pasadena Chamber.
Pasadena Youth Works also coordinates the assignment of classroom speakers from the local business community to discuss work experiences, job needs, employee requirements as well as internship opportunities with local businesses, arts organizations, nonprofits and government agencies.
The Chamber continues to raise funds for these youth programs. Any community member can visit the Pasadena Youth Works website to contribute.
“Funds are running out, and we are looking for local support to keep our efforts going,” Foell said. “Anyone who wants to help sustain this important program please donate through the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Foundation at http://www.pasadenayouthworks.org/host/donate.”
To learn more about other youth opportunities offered by the Pasadena Chamber and its partners, visit Pasadena Youth Works at www.pasadenayouthworks.org/youth/about.
You can visit Pasadena Service Federal Credit Union headquarters at 670 North Rosemead Boulevard, in Pasadena, or call (877) 297-4707 or visit their website https://www.mypsfcu.org. Focusing in the greater San Gabriel Valley with 4 branches in Covina, Vernon, Pasadena, and John Muir High School Early College Magnet; they’re your community partner. You can also stay in touch with them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mypsfcu and Twitter: @PasadenaServFCU