Through Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana and its programs, local youth have access to resources needed for success. One specific program offers area high school students an opportunity to learn from professionals around them and have a seat at the table to contribute their unique perspectives. And thanks to several Fort Wayne organizations, the 3DE program is inspiring these students to make a significant impact in their own community.

Staff from Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) have served as coaches for local students as they work through an assigned case related to our organization. With just six weeks to work on the project, students must rely on situational and cultural context, along with their own experiences, to determine a solution. They conclude by spending the day at an I&M service location where they present their findings to I&M staff. 

Through this work, I&M was honored at Junior Achievement’s Inspired to Hired event in May as a Power of Partnership Award recipient. This recognition honors strong collaborations and highlights the importance of partnership in achieving the Junior Achievement mission of empowering and changing the lives of young people.

Since the 2022-23 school year, the 3DE program has been part of a partnership between Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana and Fort Wayne Community Schools. The program, which targets learning beyond the walls of a classroom, incorporates a learning model focused on the Three Cs: cohorts, case challenges and competencies.

Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities from Rockport, Ind. to Bridgman, Mich. and how staff are making a difference through volunteering.