Universal Studios Hollywood team members built an actual storefront inside Junior Achievement of Southern California’s JA Finance Park, and students who walk up to it can now explore what a career at the park looks like.
JA Finance Park is Junior Achievement’s personal finance program for young adults, built around a real-world simulation. Participants pick a career, then define the lifestyle and financial goals that come with it. Universal’s storefront is part of that simulation, covering entertainment, hospitality and tourism jobs alongside the money decisions that follow them.
What is inside the Universal storefront?
One of the highlights is a career pathway wall featuring real Universal team members and the roles they fill.
“When I saw myself on the career wall, it had to be one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Eric Cooper, Manager of Production Administration. “Many young people will see this wall and know they can achieve any goal they set their minds to right here at Universal Studios Hollywood.”
At the opening celebration, Universal team member volunteers worked with 85 local high school students, sharing career insights and running hands-on budgeting challenges. Graphic designer Leana Romero, who moved from an in-park role to a back-of-house position in Creative Design and Planning, said she wanted students to see how many paths exist at Universal Studios Hollywood.
How does this connect to Discover A Star?
Discover A Star is Universal Studios Hollywood’s philanthropic foundation, and it’s supported Los Angeles-area nonprofits for more than 30 years. The storefront marks a milestone in that foundation’s partnership with Junior Achievement.
Kati Deyerle, Senior Manager of Show Quality and Scenic Production, served as one of the project leads. “It was incredibly rewarding to see the transformation of the space,” Deyerle said. “Our teams take great pride in applying their skills outside of the park, and it meant a lot to contribute to a project that will have a lasting impact on young people in our community.”
What to know
This one isn’t a park visit item. The storefront lives inside JA Finance Park, not at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it’s reached through Junior Achievement of Southern California rather than a park ticket.
Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences
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