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Programmatic Overview

3DE (Education for Every Dimension of Life) by Junior Achievement enhances the performance of high school students through a unique, impactful four-year instructional model that integrates essential business and soft skills directly into the classroom experience. Through collaborative learning with peers, students tackle real-world business challenges known as case challenges, gaining practical work experience along the way. In their junior year, students apply these skills by creating their own businesses. By senior year, they engage in professional consulting with business partners, applying their knowledge in a practical setting. 

With an intentional focus on competency development through a case methodology learning approach, 3DE empowers students with the skills, mindsets, and behaviors to unlock greater economic opportunities for their futures. The competencies that students develop throughout their 3DE high school journey include: Creativity & Innovation, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Cultural Agility, Effective Collaboration, Engaging Communication, and Self-Direction.  

First Year 

In the first year of 3DE, students collaborate on case challenges to solve real business problems. They receive a problem from a real company and work together to develop solutions. This process involves preparing presentations to propose their solutions to the company. Halfway through each project, students participate in "business coaching" sessions in which they receive feedback from company representatives. This feedback helps them refine their ideas before finalizing their presentations. 

Second Year 

In the second year of 3DE, students build upon their first-year foundation by further refining their skills in tackling case challenges. They continue to collaborate to solve real business problems, with a deeper understanding of the process of creating effective solutions and presentations. Throughout the year, students expand their knowledge of core competencies and learn new tools to address a new set of business challenges. 

Third Year 

In the third year of 3DE, students embark on a year-long project to create their own businesses. They have the option to work independently or in groups, focusing on developing their business ideas. The culmination of their efforts is showcased at Market Expo, where they present and sell their products or services. This third year is centered on learning business development, finance, and marketing strategies to engage potential customers and ensure the success of their entrepreneurial ventures. 

Fourth Year 

In the fourth year of 3DE, students participate in a senior consultancy, collaborating with a real client to devise solutions tailored to their needs. Working in teams, students engage with the client over the year to gain a deep understanding of the problem and explore effective solutions. Regular meetings with the client allow students to share progress, seek clarification, and gather feedback crucial to refining their ideas. At the project's culmination, students deliver a final presentation to the client, showing their comprehensive solutions. 

When implemented with fidelity, 3DE delivers the following impact outcomes: (1) Increased Student Achievement, (2) Building a Positive School Culture, and (3) Deepening Community Connections.  

Increasing Student Achievement 

  • Improved Attendance 

  • Measured through rates of Chronic Absenteeism 

  • Stronger Academic Proficiency 

  • Measured through Reading/Math state assessments 

  • Higher Graduation Rates 

  • Measured through 4-year cohorts 

  • Increased Post-Secondary Enrollment 

  • Measured as immediate college enrollment through the National Student Clearinghouse 

Building Positive School Culture (Measured through student and teacher pre/post surveys) 

  • Creating Connections to School & Sense of Belonging 

  • Building Confidence, Self-Efficacy, Growth Mindset, & Persistence 

  • Strengthening Teacher Engagement, Satisfaction, & Effectiveness 

  • Positively Impacting Overall School Culture & Performance 

Deepening Community Connections (Measured through the number of business professionals and businesses engaging with students) 

  • Creating Connections to the Local Business Community 

  • Driving Community Opportunity for Students (Internships, Coaching, Scholarships, Post-grad Jobs) 

  • Real-world Relevancy Brought to Educational Experience 

  • Pivotal Exposure to Industries and Career Pathways