Employees at the University of Memphis will have the opportunity to bring their sons and daughters to work on April 28, as part of the university’s participation in “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.”
The annual program, which is supported by the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation, aims to expose girls and boys to the importance of what their parents do during a typical workday.
Employees are invited to bring their children, who are between the ages of 10 and 18, for a hands-on learning program in the morning and an opportunity to observe the daily tasks their parents perform while at work during the afternoon.
Due to limited registration, any employee who wants to bring his or her child must secure approval from the head of his or her department and register the participating child or children no later than April 1.
“We want to promote and celebrate the opportunities that girls and boys will discover during this event by being a part of this unique educational experience,” the U of M’s department of employee relations and engagement said in a press release.
The program also seeks to show children the value of education and broaden their knowledge of future career opportunities.
This year’s theme for “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” is titled “Sparking AHA! Moments.” “An ‘aha moment’ is one of sudden insight or discovery. ‘Sparkling Aha! Moments’ represents the greatness of imagination and new ideas, inspiring youth to look to tomorrow with excitement and vigor,” a press release issued by the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation said.
The Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation is geared towards advocacy for youth, including advocating for changes in social policy and public awareness on behalf of youth.
“We can all do this by sharing those moments of discovery that lead us to choose specific careers, motivated us to make positive life changes and moved us to be leaders in our communities,” the Foundation’s release said. “This will encourage our youth to dream big and work hard.”
Although employees are encouraged to bring their sons and daughters to work, children cannot participate in areas that contain hazardous materials or in active construction zones.
Participation in the program is still at the respective Dean’s, director’s or department head’s discretion, and will be based on whether or not the department can function properly and normally with children present.
