3DE by Junior Achievement Launches in Marshalltown

A First for Central Iowa

Author: Seherzada Devedzic
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Friday, 22 Aug 2025

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Image caption: Excitement is building! 3DE teachers and Marshalltown High School administration came together for a pre-planning session to prepare for the launch of Central Iowa’s first 3DE program. Big things ahead for our 9th grade students!

This fall, something truly transformative is coming to Marshalltown High School and to Central Iowa. 3DE by Junior Achievement is officially launching, making Marshalltown the very first school in our region to adopt this innovative educational model.

3DE isn’t just a new program. It’s a new way of learning.

Rooted in the belief that real-world connections drive deeper engagement, 3DE integrates project-based learning into core academics. Students work on case challenges developed in partnership with leading businesses, giving them the chance to solve problems companies are facing right now. This hands-on approach strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. The skills students need to thrive in college, career, and life.

“I’m incredibly excited to kick off the 3DE program at Marshalltown High School! There’s already so much energy, potential, and passion in our team—I love it,” said Karina Hernandez, 3DE School & Partnership Manager.

Image caption: The 3DE classroom at Marshalltown High School is getting ready!

Why Marshalltown?
Marshalltown High School’s commitment to student success and its strong community partnerships made it the perfect place to launch 3DE in Central Iowa. By joining a growing network of 3DE schools across the country, Marshalltown is opening doors for its students to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities like never before.

“The team is ready to inspire, challenge, and support our students as they grow, building lifelong skills that will drive their success and shape bright futures. I can’t wait to see the incredible work our students will produce and the meaningful connections they’ll build with our amazing partners. This is going to be an amazing journey ahead,” added Karina.

What Makes 3DE Different?

Interdisciplinary Learning: Academic subjects are taught through real business challenges.
Business Partnerships: Students interact with professionals who share insights, feedback, and career perspectives.
Life Skills for the Future: Beyond grades, students build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities that last a lifetime.

Kaitlyn Peters, 3DE Case Experience Director, shared her perspective:

“What stands out most is the strong connection to the local community and partners. Students aren’t just solving problems, they’re engaging with real-world challenges that matter to them. 3DE isn’t about creating future entrepreneurs or business professionals; it’s a powerful vehicle for teaching essential life skills like goal-setting, problem-solving, and teamwork, skills that prepare students to thrive in any path they choose,” she said. “In addition to 3DE's strong instructional model, it comes with a robust support network backed by over a decade of experience, learning, and proven success. 3DE is an innovative and exciting opportunity that Junior Achievement is bringing to the students of central Iowa and I feel so fortune to be a part of it!”

In addition to building strong academic foundations and tackling real-world business challenges, by the time they graduate, 3DE students will have earned the JA Essential Work Skills credential, which is industry recognized in the state of Iowa. The 3DE instructional model is a way to execute Career-Connected learning for all students.

Image caption: 3DE Case Partners

Powered by Partnerships

The heart of 3DE lies in its case challenges, and those challenges are only possible thanks to the dedication of our business partners. This year, Marshalltown’s 9th-grade student cohort will work directly with local partners F&G, MARSHALLTOWN and Mechdyne, as well as national partners, Arby’s Foundation, Delta Airlines and Valera, tackling real issues these organizations face.

Through these partnerships, students won’t just learn about business; they’ll apply their knowledge to authentic challenges, receive feedback from professionals, and see firsthand how their ideas and problem-solving skills can drive meaningful impact in their community and beyond.

Looking Ahead
As 3DE takes root in Marshalltown, we’re excited to see students light up with curiosity, take ownership of their ideas, and see themselves as problem-solvers in their community and beyond. By the time they graduate, 3DE students will have earned the JA Essential Work Skills credential, which is industry recognized in the state of Iowa. The 3DE instructional model is a way to execute Career-Connected learning for all students.

We’re proud to partner with Marshalltown Community School District to bring 3DE to Central Iowa, and we can’t wait to watch this first class of 3DE students grow into leaders who shape the future.

Welcome to 3DE, Marshalltown: the future is here.