Inside peek: 3DE culminating Event

Celebrating student innovation, collaboration, and growth at Marshalltown’s first 3DE Culminating Event

Author: Seherzada Devedzic
Work Readiness
Published: Friday, 21 Nov 2025

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Image caption: Enter an image captionhank you to the Mechdyne judges for sharing their expertise and providing valuable feedback to our 3DE students during the Culminating Event. Your guidance helps students build the skills and confidence to succeed!

Big things are happening in Marshalltown! This month, Marshalltown High School, home to Central Iowa’s first 3DE High School, hosted its very first Culminating Event, marking an exciting milestone for students and educators alike.

The event marked the conclusion of the 9.2 case challenge where students were tasked with solving a real-world business problem presented by local case partner, Mechdyne Corporation. Students were challenged to determine: “Which organization should Mechdyne collaborate with to address a shared initiative and build Mechdyne’s talent pipeline?”

Image caption: Congratulations to our winning 3DE team! Their creativity, collaboration, and innovative solutions impressed judges and peers alike during the Culminating Event

Using a collaboration map analytical tool, students spent 5 weeks on research, team strategy and problem solving. Their work not only showcased their understanding of the case, but also highlighted the designated 3DE focus areas; the behavioral indicator of leadership and the core competency of effective collaboration. Five finalist teams were selected to pitch their solutions in front of an auditorium of peers, community members, and a panel of Mechdyne judges. In addition, several 3DE students and a 3DE teacher were recognized for demonstrating the key behavioral indicators throughout the case experience.

For many, presenting their final pitch was nerve-racking, yet an empowering moment that captured the essence of 3DE: earn by doing. One Mechdyne volunteer shared how remarkable it was to see ninth-grade students step onto the stage to present their ideas and solutions. It was a powerful example of the growth and resilience that 3DE helps students develop.

A Community Effort

The support from Mechdyne and the Marshalltown community made this event truly special. By opening their doors and sharing their expertise, Mechdyne professionals gave students a unique look into what innovation and leadership look like in the real world.

We’re incredibly proud of these students for their creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Their hard work represents what’s possible when communities come together and reimagine education to inspire futures.

What’s Next

With the 9.2 case behind them, students are already working the 9.3 case challenge with MARSHALLTOWN Company, where they will explore a new core competency, a new behavioral indicator, and a new analytical tool. The next case promises fresh challenges, exciting opportunities to innovate, and even more ways for students to apply what they’ve learned, taking their 3DE journey to the next level!