This Wednesday, the Coe College Hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport will be filled with high school students from the Alburnett and College Community School Districts as part of a special Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa 3DE student showcase.
From 10 a.m. to noon April 30, students will present business solutions to a real-world case challenge from Delta Air Lines –a 3DE National Case Partner – and the Eastern Iowa Airport. The event, a culmination of a multi-week challenge, will offer guests “the opportunity to experience firsthand how the 3DE model strengthens critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills among students, while also deepening their understanding of business fundamentals and career pathways,” a release stated.
During the last few weeks, students have worked in teams to analyze how Delta can improve the gate experience for its passengers by conducting research, analyzing data, and collaborating with peers and volunteer business coaches to develop customer-focused solutions that would improve the final stage of the airport journey.
The real-world learning experience is inherent to the 3DE program, which is located within participating high schools. Through 3DE, students tackle real case studies in small teams that are guided by volunteer business coaches, applying what they have learned across core subjects over a five-week time period. The cross-curricular learning environment is made possible through partnerships with local and national businesses, the release stated.
“3DE is transforming education by connecting students to the relevance of what they’re learning and empowering them to tackle authentic business problems,” said Dominique Brooks, 3DE director at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa. “This final event brings everything full circle, as students from two districts present their unique perspectives in a real-world setting.”
Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell will serve as a judge for the competition, and JA USA president and CEO Jack Harris and Gov. Reynolds will be in attendance to support the students.
