After launching the 3DE by Junior Achievement model in Kansas City-area high schools, we had a front-row seat to transformation. We watched shy and hesitant freshmen grow into confident and empowered seniors ready to pave their own futures.
This year marked a historic milestone in Kansas City.
In 2022, Northeast High School (Kansas City Public Schools) and Olathe East High School (Olathe Public Schools) launched the first 3DE classrooms in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with the inaugural student cohort setting the tone for years to come. They graduated this past May, many of them with plans to attend college or trade school or become certified in their field of interest. Along with their dedicated teachers, we are so proud of their hard work and accomplishments.
Designed to break barriers to economic opportunity, 3DE bridges the gap between the classroom and the real world. The comprehensive solution fosters student engagement, increases academic comprehension, and develops foundational competencies essential for postsecondary success. Students are introduced to diverse career paths while learning the skills they need to become engaged citizens after graduating.
Unique to standard classroom learning, 3DE gives students career-connected learning experiences with real businesses in their communities. They learn to solve authentic business challenges within a variety of high-growth industries and gain experience in entrepreneurism. Using case methodology, the 3DE curriculum focuses on building six core competencies—each with a behavioral indicator we look for to show growth. Students build on those competencies each year, progressing from 9th grade to 12th grade, as business professionals mentor them along the way.
We sat down with six students from the Class of 2026 to reflect on their 3DE experiences a few weeks before collecting their diplomas. Watch the video below and hear them share their triumphs—how they transformed from freshmen to seniors with the help of 3DE:
The successes students mentioned in this video are outcomes we hope for every cohort that follows: building strong collaboration skills, communicating with confidence, connecting their learning to the real world, thinking critically to navigate complex problems, and expanding their vision for what their futures can hold.
Hearing these students express that 3DE allowed them to “see what successful people look like and the steps to take for that success to happen” and that 3DE is a “program almost everyone should be in, because I think it brings a lot of value not just to the students but future employers” demonstrates the value the innovative model brings.
Additionally, key student impact metrics from the prior school year show:
- 20.3% fewer cases of Chronic Absenteeism
- 27.1% increase in average 9th/10th Grade Reading Proficiency
- 27.0% increase in High School Graduation Rates
- 30.2% higher rates of Post-Secondary Enrollment
- 10.7% higher rates of Post-Secondary Persistence
The substantial growth and impact of 3DE is a testament to a dynamic public-private partnership with teachers, industry partners, and business coaches who actively engage with 3DE to bring learning to life for students.
You can help us continue building a better Kansas City by equipping our youth with the skills and confidence they need in this changing global economy. Our partners can experience meaningful employee engagement opportunities, help develop the future talent pipeline in Kansas City, and increase their brand awareness. Your support today is an investment in the next generation, their families, and our community.
Learn more about how to get involved and contact our team today.