AKRON, Ohio - February 2, 2000 - Roadway Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROAD) has a strong commitment to educating children. Today, the motor carrier and Junior Achievement teamed up in honor of National Groundhog Job Shadow Day by hosting 8th grade students from Jennings Middle School at the Company's Akron headquarters.
Sixty students received a tour of the Company and an up-close look at how the skills they are learning in high school are put into action in the workplace. They joined a million other young people nationwide for the program's third annual event. Roadway volunteers demonstrated what their job functions are and the skills required to accomplish their work. They stressed the relevance of schoolwork to future success. Students were encouraged to prepare an action plan for obtaining education and skills.
The students were welcomed to Roadway by Robert Obee, Vice President and Chief Information Officer and a member of the Board of Junior Achievement of Akron Area, Inc. "Roadway believes in the Junior Achievement program, because students who understand the free enterprise system become better employees-better customers-and better neighbors," stated Obee. "The company maintains a strong commitment to the education of children."
More than 100 area organizations have agreed to host students. "We are extremely pleased with the response of area businesses and organizations to our request to host schools," said David Best, President of Junior Achievement of Akron Area, Inc. "By participating, these organizations are making an impact on the quality of our future workforce."
Roadway employees have consistently demonstrated their commitment to community involvement through United Way and participating in the Community Challenge with family involvement. The Groundhog Job Shadow Day gives them the opportunity to promote education and inform students about specific careers in their particular industry.
Job Shadow Day is sponsored locally by Junior Achievement and School-to-Work Region 9. National coalition partners include America's Promise, American Society of Association Executives, Junior Achievement and the National School-to-Work office.
