A Landmark for 3DE From the Star Tribune

Last year marked a milestone for Junior Achievement North and Saint Paul Public School: the launch of 3DE by Junior Achievement, an innovative learning model designed to make education more relevant and engaging.

This school year, we expanded to Harding High School and are working with both ninth and tenth-grade students at Como Park and Washington Technology Magnet. 3DE was featured recently in the Star Tribune by reporter Anthony Lonetree. The story captures the energy and purpose behind this partnership and the impact it’s already having on students.

What’s Happening in Classrooms
Through 3DE, students work in teams to tackle real-world challenges posed by businesses, nonprofits, and even their own school district. These case-based experiences happen six times a year and culminate in presentations to community and industry leaders.

For example, Washington Technology Magnet sophomores recently brainstormed strategies to improve attendance—offering ideas from creative incentives to bold structural changes like a four-day school week. These projects aren’t hypothetical; they’re authentic challenges that demand core competencies like critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

Currently, three St. Paul high schools are participating, with plans to expand grade by grade so students can engage throughout their high school journey. Junior Achievement North is fully funding this $1 million-plus initiative through private donations, ensuring equitable access for all students. Our long-term vision? Expand 3DE to 10 Twin Cities-area schools by 2030.

How the Story Was Told
The article invites readers into the experience and presents an optimistic yet grounded view of how 3DE is implemented. Student voices and educator perspectives remain at the center as Lonetree attended a recent case culminating event at the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. 

He observed students in action and spoke with program leaders, such as Kumar Balasubrahmanyan, JA North’s VP of Innovation, who shared that 3DE cases help young people understand the complexity of real-world challenges in an encouraging environment with guidance from supportive adults.

At Junior Achievement North, we believe this is what education looks like when it’s relevant, engaging, and future-focused. And thanks to thoughtful coverage like Lonetree’s, more people are learning about the power of real-world learning!