Junior Achievement Program Uplifts Students at Northeast High School
Kansas City, Missouri – Recent innovative educational strides at Northeast High School have seen the implementation of the Junior Achievement (JA) program. This program delivers invaluable business-related experiences that prepare students for post-secondary life.
The Birth of the JA Program at Northeast High School
Implemented at Northeast High School and facilitated by Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, part of the national Junior Achievement USA initiative, the program arrived upon research of a successful pilot program in Atlanta, Georgia.
Northeast High School, along with Olathe East High School, were chosen to launch the program within the Kansas City Metro area. The decision was influenced by both the schools’ historical partnership and their eagerness to refresh the teaching methodologies.
A New Approach to High School Education
The 3DE Junior Achievement program aims to reshape high school education through real-world case studies and business collaborations, designed to equip students with essential post-graduate skills. The program was initially introduced in the 2022-2023 academic year for freshmen, and it currently pertains to both freshmen and sophomore students. The plan is to expand this reach to all high school grades as the cohort progresses.
Gaining First-Hand Business Skills and Confidence
The program’s schedule consists of group work separated into five-week intervals. During this period, students are grouped, assigned a case challenge based on an existing business scenario, and tasked with providing research-based solutions to the issue at hand. Their proposed solutions are then presented to the business partners involved.
This action-based approach, instilling real-world skills, has fostered a noticeable enhancement in the students’ confidence levels and ability to advocate for themselves. It encourages the development of standout skills such as leadership, collaboration, and cultural agility that are both applicable within and beyond the classroom environment.
Moving Forward with JA
With Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and Sporting KC among the local companies that are invested in this initiative, the program plans to continue providing these vital experiences to students. Support from Junior Achievement of Greater KC in the form of in-school full-time Senior Director further bolsters the program’s implementation.
For passionate educators like Megan Vargas, a Career Technical Education Teacher, the program serves a dual purpose, developing both academic capabilities and emotional understanding, ultimately leading to the growth of a confident and self-reliant generation.
More information on the program can be accessed at: https://jagkc.org/3de/.
