Who runs the world? At Junior Achievement (JA) of South Florida‘s BizTown, there is only one answer to that question…kids! Each year, more than 21,000 fifth grade students in Broward and South Palm Beach Counties visit JA Biztown to navigate a day in a simulated town setting. They work at local businesses, participate in civic duties and earn their own money to spend around the space.
The goal is simple. Prepare local youth for tomorrow’s careers by teaching them essential skills that will help make them successful professionals and active community members. Just days ago, an Xfinity store opened inside Biztown.
Among the positions students can hold inside the Xfinity store include CEO, CFO, Retail Store Manager, Business Account Executive, and Technician. Abbie Lopez, a fifth grader from Indian Trace Elementary, served as Xfinity’s CEO for the day.
She was responsible for several tasks including signing employee paychecks and meeting with fellow CEOs in the town. She shared what she learned about being a CEO.
“Today I learned how to be a good boss. I think it is important not to be too bossy. I like being friends with my employees,” said Abbie. “After being CEO today, I think I would want to be a CEO in the future.”
Another student from Indian Trace, Lucas Lopez, served as a technician. He went from business to business selling them reliable, fast internet via Comcast Business.
“I sold internet for money and then got to spend my money,” said Lucas. “I learned to spend my money wisely. I also learned the difference between cash and a debit card.”
Comcast’s decision to open an Xfinity store is part of the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. A $150,000 investment made the partnership possible with Junior Achievement of South Florida.
To further deepen the technology’s leader impact and presence in Broward County, Senior VP for Comcast’s Florida Region Jeff Buzzelli joined Junior Achievement’s Board of Directors.
“Our future leaders are being shaped right now in communities across South Florida. I’m honored to serve on the board of JA and help drive investment. I’m also proud to open up our latest Xfinity store in JA Biztown. I can’t wait to see the students in action,” said Buzzelli. “The work JA is doing every day is more important than ever. We’re working to create a better tomorrow.”
A ribbon-cutting for the new Xfinity store took place October 17, during JA’s Celebration of Impact Breakfast. Leaders from Xfinity, JA, and across the community gathered to mark the occasion and celebrate the new store.
“Junior Achievement of South Florida is committed to helping all youth fulfill their potential,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “The new Xfinity storefront will be a memorable place for our students to learn valuable skills that will serve them as they enter the workforce and build successful lives.”
Comcast also recently invested $50,000 in JA’s Broadband Pre-Apprenticeship Program. These programs are designed to train and prepare participants for different trade career tracks with a 6-month, work-based learning experience. The first Broadband Technician Career Track cohort will launch in January 2025.
Back at Xfinity in Biztown, Manuela Ardila recently served as a Retail Store Manager. The fifth grader was responsible for selling Xfinity Mobile phones. She made sales pitches to her classmates as they passed by the shop. Manuela shared tips for her coworkers, eager to earn their first buck.
“Be kind when you’re selling stuff. You have to convince them,” said Manuela. “At first, I had the wrong approach in my selling. But then I realized you have to make it worth it for the customer and sell them what they want.”
