If you’ve ever worried about the next generation, now is your time to step up and do something about it.

The Job Shadow program, administered by the SCV School and Business Alliance, is already busy matching employers and “shadows” – high school juniors and seniors interested in getting a day of hands-on experience in a career field or vocation that interests them.

Adriana Estrada, the Alliance’s executive director, said that they have had up to 80 businesses participating in the Job Shadow program in the past, which coincides with Groundhog Day. KHTS AM1220 will be among those welcoming shadows; in the past, the station has hosted several students who worked alongside programmers, news staff, administrators and salespeople.

Next year’s program will fall on Feb. 2, which takes advantage of the country’s familiarity with the small brown burrower that looks for his shadow on Groundhog Day.

“We’re looking for more employers willing to take on a shadow for the day,” Estrada said. “We’d like to have more than 80 this year.”

The opportunities for involvement are open-ended, but those who have participated in the past are enthusiastic about the program and those involved.

Hunter Leggett, Saugus High Class of 2012, got into the program because of his persistence. As a freshman, he didn’t really “qualify” for the program, but his enthusiasm and career path hopes, along with a last-minute opening, made it possible for him to shadow a veterinarian at Sweetwater Veterinary Clinic in Agua Dulce last year. With the hope of being a dolphin trainer at Sea World or another aquatic park, he knew veterinary knowledge was key and pestered his career advisor until a spot was found.

Now his mentor, Jim Schmidt, the practice manager at Sweetwater, is one of his biggest fans and confident Leggett will go far in whatever career he finally chooses.

Estrada said that business owners who want to participate in the program can get more information at their website here. They can also call her at 661-753-5740, ext. 776.

Hear the full story by listening to the podcast of “Something To Talk About” when it is posted tomorrow.