Carson High students participate in job shadowing program at Legislature

Nine Carson High students participated in a job-shadowing program during the 80th Nevada legislative session. During the course of the three-week shadowing program, students visited the legislature once a week and had an intimate view of the legislative process. The students selected for the program ranged from seniors to sophomores recommended by teachers and interested in the legislative process and public service. Each class was represented as follows:

• Kate Cruz, Marion Haffey, Mary Milburn, Kiara Williams, and Crystal Vargas, seniors

• Bryce Busch, Alexsandra Knowlton, and Cierra Randall, juniors

• Nathan Wetzel, sophomore

In the first week, students spent the day shadowing members of the Assembly, received an in-depth tour and participated in daily tasks and conversations about various bills. Students shadowed the following members: Assemblywomen Ellen Spiegel, Jill Tolles, Lisa Krasner, Sarah Peter and Teresa Benitez-Thompson.

During the second week of this program, the students shadowed Sens. Heidi Seevers Gansert, Joseph Hardy, Pat Spearman, Mo Dennis and James Settelmeyer.

In the final week, some students spent time in the executive branch and had the privilege of meeting the governor and lieutenant governor. The program culminated with a mock legislative session hosted by lobbyist. The students divided into two groups — one side that opposed the bill and the other that favored it. CHS students provided relevant and meaningful feedback on the bills.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to experience first-hand the workings of our state government by meeting and learning from elected representatives. Those who are interested in pursuing a career in public service found this very enlightening and allowed them to see the potential in this field.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities such as job shadowing or interning give students a flavor for the industry and open career doors.

“If a WBL experience sparks interest for our students in the long-run, it is good for us all,” said Yette De Luca, Carson City School District Work-Based learning coordinator.

The Northern Nevada Development Authority and Paul Jackson, political consultant, made the program possible.