"The NJMC is honored by the students’ interest in how we help improve their communities and our staff is always eager to share its knowledge and enthusiasm for what they do," said NJMC Executive Director Robert Ceberio. "Whether it’s through environmental research, designing flood control systems, providing educational opportunities or administering grants, our employees strive everyday to help make the Meadowlands a better place to live, work, and play. We hope the students leave here today further inspired to pursue their career goals."

The students were paired with workplace mentors in the engineering and finance departments and the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, where analysts demonstrated how digital mapping software created by the NJMC’s Geographic Information System group helps first responders in emergencies. The students also received a tour of the new Meadowlands Center for Environmental and Scientific Education, which is scheduled to open in March.

"I was really impressed with how they prepare blueprints for flood-control projects," said George Delgado, a Lyndhurst High School sophomore and aspiring engineer who shadowed NJMC Principal Engineer Nicholas Agnoli.

Groundhog Job Shadow Day is held each year on or around Ground Hog’s Day. The event kicks off a year-long program in which students "shadow" workplace mentors as they go through a normal day on the job. The program invites students to see firsthand how the skills learned in school relate to the workplace.