Junior Achievement North and Saint Paul Public Schools Announce Expansion of 3DE to Johnson High School

Partnership brings case-based learning model to fourth St. Paul high school, preparing students for college and career success

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Junior Achievement North, in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools, today announced the expansion of 3DE to Johnson High School, marking the fourth local high school to participate in the program.

3DE, an innovative high school model designed to expand economic mobility through real-world, case-based learning, will be offered to all 250 9th-grade students at Johnson High School beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. By the 2030-2031 school year, the entire 1,000-student population will be able to participate.

Throughout the program, students will complete 16 real-world case challenges and a capstone experience, working directly with local business professionals from organizations like Delta Air Lines, Thrivent, Cargill, and 3M to solve authentic workforce problems. Throughout this experience, students will be equipped with the skills needed to thrive, including critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, cultural agility, and self-direction.

"We are thrilled to be bringing 3DE to the students of Johnson High School," said Kumar Balasubrahmanyan, VP of Innovation at Junior Achievement North. "Our youth are the future, and it's our responsibility to prepare them with the skills needed to thrive. 3DE was built to do just that. Watching Saint Paul Public School students connect with local business professionals, build real-world skills, and get excited about their future has been incredibly rewarding. We want every student and educator in the state to have that same experience, and this expansion is a step closer to reaching that goal."

Now in its third year, the partnership between Junior Achievement North and Saint Paul Public Schools engaged 1,500 students through 3DE across Como Park Senior High School, Washington Technology High School and Harding High School during the 2025–2026 school year.

"Partnering with Junior Achievement North on 3DE has opened doors for thousands of Saint Paul Public Schools students," said Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools. "We are incredibly excited to be bringing those same opportunities to the students at Johnson High School. This program has expanded our students' knowledge, skills and access to future careers, and the results have exceeded our expectations. We look forward to expanding the program in the coming school year and seeing even more of our students flourish."

In the last school year, participating schools experienced measurable improvements in student engagement, including an enhanced sense of belonging and relevance of school. Results showed a 13.3% increase in students feeling accepted, respected, and included, alongside a 15.1% increase in those who see the real-world relevance of 3DE.

As employers across the country continue to raise concerns about workforce preparedness, a lack of essential soft skills and real-world experience remains a primary factor. 3DE directly addresses that gap.

As the program continues to make a local impact, JA North is focused on expanding its reach so that more students in Minnesota have the opportunity to become confident, capable, and connected.

To learn more about 3DE by Junior Achievement or how to become a partner, visit janorth.org. 

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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT NORTH
Junior Achievement North is an expert in innovative and experiential opportunities that spark joy in learning for students. As part of the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices, Junior Achievement North serves students throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, western Wisconsin, and eastern Montana. The organization's programming is in high demand across the region, reaching nearly 100,000 students each year through lessons on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. For more information about Junior Achievement North visit www.janorth.org.

Media Contact:
Morgan Briere
[email protected] 

SOURCE Junior Achievement North