GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A LEG UP
By State Sen. Connie Williams

 On April 24th, Pennsylvania will join other states in the nation in observing Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Every year since 1997, I have sponsored a resolution in the General Assembly to declare this important day in Pennsylvania.

 Through this program, young people are encouraged to strive for excellence, value their education and to learn more about the world of work that awaits them. In short, this day allows young people to begin to envision their future and to start to explore career paths.

 From its inception in 1992 as a project of the Ms. Foundation for Women and until 2003, the day was called Take Our Daughters to Work Day. It was created to expose girls to new opportunities for women in the workplace. The day promoted the idea that young girls could be anything that they wanted to be.

 The great news is that the program has made a difference. Just a week or so ago, I met with a local Brownie Troop in my Legislative District to talk about my job in the Pennsylvania Legislature. As we talked about opportunities that they had for the future, I asked the troop how many of them wanted to be President. All hands quickly went into the air. I asked the troop leaders the same question and they said when they were the girls' ages, they believed that only men could become President.

 As we prepare to once again observe Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, I would encourage adults to consider taking their son or daughter, niece or nephew, grandchild, or a child that they "adopt" for the day to work with them. The few hours that you give to that young person will be priceless to them in terms of learning about the world of work, understanding what they can achieve and allowing them to see that they can set their goals high and reach them.

 For more information on the national observance, visit the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation Web site at www.daughtersandsonstowork.org.