Junior Achievement North, a nonprofit that introduces minors to business skills and entrepreneurship, is working with students and educators at Como Park Senior High School and the Washington Technology Magnet School to launch a new ninth grade curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year.

Dubbed 3DE by Junior Achievement, the program brings professionals from high-demand industries into classrooms for project-based learning, with an emphasis on case studies. The work is supported by funding from partners like the WEM Foundation, Securian Financial, Thrivent, the Cargill Foundation and Great Clips.

Junior Achievement said the model has boosted student outcomes in 42 schools across 24 school districts in 10 states. They’ve documented a 21% reduction in chronic absenteeism and a 33% improvement in graduation rates among those enrolled. College enrollment increased 56%, and teacher retention almost doubled.

“We are thrilled to partner with St. Paul Public Schools to deliver this innovative educational model,” said JA North Chief Executive Officer Sara Dziuk, in an interview. “It is uniquely designed to connect the education, nonprofit, business and government sectors, allowing our entire community to invest in the future of our young people and close the wealth, skills and opportunity gaps facing our state.”

All ninth grade students at Como Senior and Washington Technology Magnet will participate in 3DE beginning next fall, and additional school grades could be added in coming years at both schools and other high schools in the district.