Junior Achievement Expands Economic Literacy Program to Johnson High School
News related to:Junior Achievement North · 1 min read
SAINT PAUL, Minn., Nov. 12, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Junior Achievement North and Saint Paul Public Schools have announced the expansion of their 3DE (Developing Economic Literacy) program to Johnson High School, marking the fourth high school in the St. Paul area to participate in the innovative learning model. The program, designed to enhance economic mobility through real-world, case-based learning, will be introduced to all 250 ninth-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 tackle 16 real-world case challenges and a capstone experience, working directly with local business professionals from organizations such as Delta Air Lines, Thrivent, Cargill, and 3M to solve authentic workforce problems. By the 2030-2031 school year, the entire 1,000-student population will be able to participate, giving students the skills needed to thrive, including critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, cultural agility, and self-direction.
Now in its third year, the partnership between Junior Achievement North and Saint Paul Public Schools has 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.
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 Junior Achievement North continues to expand its reach, the organization is focused on providing more students in Minnesota with 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.