Junior Achievement of Greater Washington Expands 3DE Model to Fairmont Heights and Central High Schools, Elevating Regional Total to Five Game-Changing Schools
JA Expands 3DE Model in Maryland
Author: Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
Entrepreneurship
Published:
Monday, 15 Sep 2025
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Image caption: Students with 3DE Business Coach
Washington, D.C., September 10, 2025 — Junior Achievement of Greater Washington is proud to announce the official launch of the 3DE learning model at two new high schools: Fairmont Heights High School and Central High School. This expansion brings the total number of 3DE schools in the region to five, joining Surrattsville, Potomac, and Ballou High Schools in delivering a transformative educational experience that re-engineers traditional high school learning.
3DE by Junior Achievement connects core academics to real-world business challenges, empowering students with the skills, confidence, and vision to thrive in today’s economy. Through interdisciplinary case methodology, cohort-based learning, and deep community engagement, 3DE students are immersed in a dynamic environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and career readiness.
Impact That Speaks Volumes
The 3DE model is already delivering measurable results across participating schools:
- +26% higher graduation rate
- +29% increase in first-year college enrollmentq
- +95% of students report seeing greater relevance of school
- 100% of teachers and principals recommend the 3DE experience
- -17% reduction in chronic absenteeism
Voices of Leadership
“Career-connected learning combines the rigor of academic instruction with real-world experiences and application to drive career and education relevancy, which in turn, drives more students to pursue secondary education, intentional career paths, and economic mobility,” said Jack Harris, CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “The expansion of 3DE in Greater Washington is a powerful example of how this model is transforming outcomes for students across the country.”
“By connecting education to local business partners and real-world concepts, we aim to improve student readiness, give them vision to see what is possible in the future, and equip them with the power skills they need to be 100 percent prepared for the real world,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington.
“Central High School is proud to launch 3DE and offer our students a learning experience that mirrors the challenges and opportunities of the real world. We believe this will be a catalyst for academic success and personal growth,” said Sheree Savoy, Principal of Central High School.
“Fairmont Heights is thrilled to be part of the 3DE movement. This experience brings relevance and hands-on experience to our classrooms, and our students are already showing excitement,” said Dr. Lonice Priester, Principal of Fairmont Heights High School.
See the Impact in Action
Watch the inspiring story behind the 3DE movement in the Greater Washington region in Game Changer, a short video that captures the voices and vision driving this educational revolution.
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington is on a mission to prepare students to be future-ready. We partner with schools and businesses to deliver hands-on, practical experiences in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to more than 38,000 students in our region. We envision a world in which all young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:
Angie Crews
angie.crews@ja.org
(202) 263-5814
greaterwashington.ja.org