On October 6, students visited the Google Spruce Goose corporate office located in Playa Vista. The trip was offered to all interested students, including those who are a part of the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Umoja dual enrollment program.
Students spent the day touring the location. The hangar’s unique architecture offers a variety of rooms different from typical corporate offices, promoting interaction and creativity. With several game rooms, cafes, and open workspaces, students were exposed to the new face of corporate workplaces.
“This trip helped me realize the type of environment I would love to be involved in in the future,” senior Kayla Golden said. “I want to work in a place that doesn’t feel like ‘work,’ somewhere I wouldn’t mind showing up every day. It truly felt like a comfortable, safe community.”
As well as touring the unique offices, students also enjoyed seminars presented by panelists part of the Black Google Network (BGN). Students learned about of networking to secure jobs, a way to establish connections useful in any industry.
“The employees truly made Google feel welcoming,” senior Myjoi Copeland said.
Originally known as the Spruce Goose Hangar, the building was built in 1943 to house the construction of the Spruce Goose Airplane during World War II. After the airplane’s construction, the hangar served as a soundstage for film production for several films, including the hit 1997 film “Titanic.”
However, many years of use and delayed maintenance led to the deterioration of the building. In 2018, Google officially leased the hangar, revamping it into the unique corporate complex present today.
As the Kiswahili word for “unity,” the Umoja dual enrollment program connects African American students to a supportive community through early college coursework. The program is offered through Pierce College, providing classes taught by Umoja trained educators.
Beyond excellence in the classroom, hands-on exposure to real-world workplaces always serves as a helpful reminder for students regarding their journey beyond high school.
“This field trip expanded students’ view of the wide range of career opportunities available at Google and other major companies, allowing them to envision themselves in those roles in the future,” counselor Briana Brazil said. “It also gave them a deeper understanding of the importance of collaboration and networking in achieving their goals.”