Universal Orlando Youth Programs Launches Innovative Business Learning Series Presented By CNBC's The Profit, Marcus Lemonis

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Orlando Resort today announced the launch of the Business Learning Series, a groundbreaking experiential education program that teaches students the basics of business from the best. It combines the innovation of a world-class entertainment company, the business savvy of The Profit's Marcus Lemonis and the educational know-how of Columbia College to give students a real-world perspective on what it takes to drive results in today's business climate.

To celebrate, Universal Orlando is partnering with CNBC's The Profit to give one lucky class the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to experience the new program. CNBC's "The Profit" (Tuesdays at 10PM ET/PT) follows serial entrepreneur and investor Marcus Lemonis, who puts his own money on the line to help save and grow struggling businesses across the country. 

"The most important tool we can instill in today's youth is the power of education," said Lemonis. "Coupling the Business Learning Series with the excitement and fun that Universal Orlando offers is the perfect partnership for success and I am happy to be a part of this endeavor."

The hands-on, collaborative in-park components truly make this program stand out. Students have the opportunity to identify real-life examples of specific business principles across Universal Orlando's two theme parks, creating visual digital presentations to share what they learned. This in-park component adds an unparalleled level of engagement that actively reinforces the learning that takes place within the program. Not only are these lesson plans engaging, they also align with national education standards and include activities students can complete in the classroom before and after their visit for a truly comprehensive learning experience.

Universal's Business Learning Series features Marcus Lemonis' winning business philosophy in three content-rich courses. These courses can be experienced as stand-alone workshops or combined to create an all-encompassing three-part series. Each course contains an in-park activity:

• Career Selection and Preparation – Focuses on career readiness, offering self-assessments to uncover natural strengths and corresponding career paths.
• Leadership Skills and Personal Development – Students study workplace integrity and practice communication tactics for positively influencing their environment. 
• Business Development:  People, Process, Product – Lemonis' famous "three Ps" have assisted countless entrepreneurs around the country. This course explores the importance of a quality product, dedicated people and an efficient process, while preparing students to manage the internal and external factors that often affect business.

And now until February 23, students, parents and teachers can win an all-expense paid trip for their middle or high school classroom to experience the Business Learning Series when they enter online. The incredible grand prize includes:

• Round trip airfare to Orlando, Florida
• Participation in the Universal Orlando Resort Business Learning Series
• Admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks
• Accommodations on-site at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Ground transportation between the airport and hotel in Orlando
• Tickets to Blue Man Group

For more information about the national sweepstakes and Universal's Business Learning Series program, visit http://www.cnbcprime.com/the-profit/universal-youth/.

Click HERE for a video overview of the Business Learning Series

About Universal Orlando Youth Programs
Universal Orlando's two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, are home to some of the world's most exciting and innovative attractions.  Its on-site resort hotels, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, are destinations unto themselves, allowing student groups to stay in the middle of the excitement.  And just minutes away is Wet 'n Wild, a family water park.

In addition to incredibly immersive theme parks, Universal Orlando takes students beyond the classroom with Youth Programs that bring education to life.  From teaching best business practices to the art of storytelling and ride design, Universal Orlando offers unique educational experiences that take learning to a new level.

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled 18 new guest experiences in the past five years – powerful attractions, incredible dining opportunities and a dramatically themed hotel.  And more is on the way.  Coming in 2016 is Universal Orlando's fifth on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort; and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, a groundbreaking attraction in Islands of Adventure.  And in 2017 will come Universal's Volcano Bay, an entirely new water theme park experience. 

Visit www.universalorlandoyouth.com for information about Universal Orlando Youth Programs. Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company.  Follow us on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About The Profit
"The Profit" follows serial entrepreneur and investor Marcus Lemonis, who puts his own money on the line to help save and grow struggling businesses across the country.  When Lemonis isn't running his multi-billion dollar company, Camping World, he goes on the hunt for struggling businesses that are desperate for cash and ripe for a deal.  In each episode, Lemonis makes an offer that's impossible to refuse; his cash for a piece of the business and a percentage of the profits.  And once inside these companies, he'll do almost anything to save the business and make himself a profit; even if it means firing the president, promoting the secretary or doing the work himself.  "The Profit" airs Tuesdays at 10PM ET/PT on CNBC.  To learn more about "The Profit," visit http://theprofit.cnbcprime.com.  Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheProfitCNBC/and follow us on Twitter: @TheProfitCNBC #TheProfit.  "The Profit" is produced for CNBC by Machete Productions with Amber Mazzola serving as executive producer.  Jim Ackerman and Luke Bauer are the executive producers for CNBC.  

About Columbia College
Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 160 years.  As a private, nonprofit, liberal arts and sciences institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs.  With more than 30 nationwide campuses across the country, students may enroll in day, evening or online classes.  The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.  Columbia College educates more than 27,000 students each year and has more than 80,000 alumni worldwide.

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SOURCE Universal Orlando Resort