HOUSTON, Jan. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas high school students from Westchester Academy of International Studies in Spring Branch ISD participating in JA Job Shadow™ program will visit the Galleria Microsoft Store to get a first-hand glimpse at the world of work.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101006/JASETXLOGO)

Through Microsoft YouthSpark support, local JA middle and high school students will participate in the work-readiness program, including teacher-led classroom instruction around key skills such as leadership, teamwork and how to conduct a successful job search. The students then visit a Microsoft retail store for a half-day mentoring experience to apply their classroom learning.

"We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to help students develop and enhance skills needed for future career pursuits," said Rick Franke, JA of Southeast Texas President.  "Through JA Job Shadow, students will learn resume writing, job interviewing and decision-making, to help position them for success in the workforce."

Students in Houston join youth in 49 other communities across the United States to participate in the effort.

About Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas is the greater Houston area's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network of 12,000 adult role models, JA of Southeast Texas provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12 which focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Today, JA of Southeast Texas reaches 273,000 students in more than 900 schools.  For more information, visit www.jahouston.org.

About Microsoft YouthSparkMicrosoft YouthSpark is a global initiative that aims to create opportunities for 300 million youth in more than 100 countries by 2015. This companywide initiative includes Citizenship and other company programs that empower youth to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.microsoft.com/youthspark.

Contact:Charley TauerJunior Achievement of Southeast Texas713-682-4500ctauer@jahouston.org

SOURCE Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas

RELATED LINKShttp://houston.ja.org