Funworld February 2012

Attractions embrace Junior Achievement program

by Paul Serff

Attractions large and small have joined with Junior Achievement in “Exploring Futures: Curriculum & Careers in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality,” a program to provide the basic knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary for high school students considering careers in the industry.

Attractions professionals have worked as classroom volunteers and event speakers and hosted always-popular on-site job shadow events that have introduced students for the first time to attractions professionals, exposing them to real-life industry situations and opportunities.

Volunteers consider the few hours spent as an investment in their industry’s future. Invariably they also find the experience personally rewarding, invigorating, and lots of fun.

A sampling of attractions organizations engaged as volunteers in the Junior Achievement program includes:

• Elitch Gardens, Denver, Colorado. Elitch volunteers taught in the classroom using instructional materials and procedures provided by Junior Achievement. Almost 200 students were introduced to the industry and its possibilities.
• SeaWorld San Diego, California. SeaWorld’s director of education and four volunteers conducted a behind-the-scenes job shadow experience on site, together with a special “tour guide” guest: Marcus McNeill of the San Diego Chargers NFL football team.
• Six Flags New England, Springfield, Massachusetts. Initial contacts were made by Junior Achievement with Six Flags New England; they are in the process of establishing an ongoing relationship in the classroom and on site.
• Isle of Capri Casino, Moline, Illinois. Volunteers instructed several classes of students at Bettendorf High School (Bettendorf, Iowa) and even created a trivia game to help open students’ eyes to the impact their business has on local suppliers and the variety of jobs available at the Isle of Capri.
• Universal Orlando. Volunteers worked in an alternative high school for students who haven’t been successful in traditional schools. They instructed classes and then accompanied students who worked a half day in the park as part of the experience.
• Walt Disney World, Orlando. Hosted Orlando’s largest bowling event involving nearly 6,000 bowlers and raising more than $200,000 for Junior Achievement.
• Champions Fun Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. A single volunteer taught several classes, reaching more than 40 students with an understanding of the industry, its impact on the community, and the possibilities a career could offer.
• Gallo Winery, Napa, California. Gallo Winery is a major attraction in Napa Valley. Carolyn Martini, daughter of Louis Martini Winery (owned by Gallo) is an active board member on the Junior Achievement Napa County Advisory Board. Both Gallo and Martini are involved in Junior Achievement volunteering.
• Disney Imagineering. Jack Blitch, vice president and general manager of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Patrick Brennan, vice president of creative development for Walt Disney Imagineering – Florida, global show quality standards and design services, were volunteer keynote speakers at the 2011 Junior Achievement USA National Leadership Conference in Boston in July 2011. Disney Imagineers also created a public service announcement and designed collateral.

Junior Achievement provides instructional materials, classroom lessons, and preparation tips for volunteering in the classroom. Similar guidance is offered for hosting job shadows for individual students or entire classrooms.

For information on how easy it is to be an attractions volunteer in the Junior Achievement program Exploring Futures: Curriculum & Careers in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality, contact Laurie Onstott, director, stewardship, Junior Achievement USA, at +1 719/540-6206 or e-mail Laurie at lonstott@ja.org. 

Paul Serff is president emeritus of Texas Travel Industry ­Association and former IAAPA chairman.