Approximately 65 students from Banks Middle School and Pike County High School joined the area workforce recently for Job Shadow Days sponsored by GEAR UP Alabama. The program offers activities that prepare students for success both during and after high school. Participants can attend any two-year college, tuition-free, after completing high school. The job shadow program exposed students to both careers and interests that will motivate them to pursue higher learning and competitive salaries. Students shadowed professionals in medical and dental fields; journalism; finance; education; recreation; animal care; automotive;  computers and technology sectors; culinary arts; retail; child care; agriculture; government; and military settings.