3DE by Junior Achievement is an innovative high school model designed to be more relevant and experiential to better prepare today’s students for the demands of tomorrow’s economy.
This guide breaks down five key things to know about 3DE volunteering so you can feel confident stepping into the classroom. Keep reading to learn more or view our open volunteer opportunities.
1. What is 3DE by Junior Achievement?
3DE by Junior Achievement is a high school model that transforms learning by making it more relevant and connected to the real world. The focus is on elevating student engagement and achievement while also enhancing the effectiveness of teachers and school administrators.
Beginning in 9th grade and continuing through graduation, students work each year on case challenges and projects to develop solutions to real problems local and national businesses face. Students work alongside coaches and mentors from these companies over their four years of high school.
Originally developed in 2015 as a pilot program at Banneker High School in Atlanta, there are now 80 3DE schools across 13 states and 32 districts, representing a diversity of communities across the country. Currently, 3DE is integrated into six high schools across the Kansas City metro. 
2. What age group would I work with as a volunteer?
While other Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City programs, like JA BizTown Presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union, serve elementary- and middle-school-aged students, 3DE is a high school model. As a volunteer, you’ll work with students in grades 9-12 across participating high schools in the metro. This makes 3DE a great fit for volunteers who enjoy working with older students.
3. What’s the difference between a Business Coach and a Business Judge?
3DE offers two main volunteer roles. Both are important, but they each play a different part in the student experience.
Business Coaches support students during the work phase of their case challenge. As a Business Coach, you will meet with student teams in the classroom. You’ll guide their research, help them think through ideas, ask questions, and offer feedback as they develop their final solution and deliverable for the case challenge.
Business Judges support students at the end of the case challenge. As a Business Judge, you will attend the final presentations, evaluate each student team’s proposal, provide constructive feedback, and select the winning case challenge solution.
4. Do I need to have a specific background or experience to volunteer?
No special background or expertise is required to volunteer. Volunteers from all industries and career stages are welcome to serve as Business Coaches or Business Judges. In fact, that diversity is one of the strengths of the 3DE model—students benefit from hearing different perspectives and seeing the wide range of careers and pathways that exist beyond high school.
5. Will I receive any training when I volunteer?
Before each volunteer session, you’ll receive a short orientation, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and feel confident supporting students. If you’re willing to ask thoughtful questions, encourage students, and share your perspective, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.
Want to learn more about 3DE?
If you’d like to explore 3DE volunteering more in depth or have questions, we’d love to connect. Reach out to JaShawn Warren at jwarren@jagkc.org to schedule a call, virtual meeting, or lunch-and-learn.