Inspired to Hired: Celebrating the Power of 3DE Partnerships and Real-World Learning

On May 28, 2026, Junior Achievement of Southern California proudly hosted Inspired to Hired: Celebrating our 3DE Partners and Participants, a special morning dedicated to recognizing the educators, students, volunteers, alumni, and corporate partners helping bring career-connected learning to life through the 3DE Schools education model.

Held at Deloitte’s incredible office space overlooking SoFi Stadium, the event brought together leaders from education and industry to celebrate the power of partnership in preparing students for the future of work.

A special thank you to Deloitte and Donte Apperwhite for generously hosting the event and for their continued partnership and engagement in supporting students through real-world learning experiences and case challenges.

Throughout the morning, guests heard firsthand how 3DE is helping students build confidence, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through immersive, project-based learning connected to real business challenges.

Guests at Inspired to Hired were invited to experience the impact of 3DE through a special video highlighting students, educators, and partners who help connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. See 3DE in Action:

The event featured a thoughtful panel discussion moderated by 3DE Crenshaw 2025 alumna Kaihla Rivas, whose authenticity and leadership brought warmth and energy to the conversation. Panelists included:

• Donte Apperwhite, Case Challenge Partner, Deloitte
• Ruby Barrios, Case Challenge Supporter, Team One
• Daniel Dunn, Educator, 3DE at Centennial High School

Together, they explored the importance of business engagement in education, the value of exposing students to real-world problem solving, and how partnerships between schools and industry can help shape stronger pathways toward economic mobility and career success.

One of the most memorable moments of the event was a conversation between Kaihla and 3DE at Dominguez High School student speaker Lonnie, who shared personal reflections about growth, confidence, and the impact of participating in 3DE. His story served as a powerful reminder that when students are given opportunities to connect classroom learning to the real world, they begin to see new possibilities for their futures.

The morning also included recognition of several organizations helping shape and sustain this work through partnership, mentorship, and support. We were proud to recognize our founding partners, including Delta, Deloitte, Gensler, KPMG, and McCarthy Cook, for their continued investment in students and education innovation since our inception in 2021

Because partnership makes this work possible.

• Delta Air Lines
• JPMorgan Chase
• Deloitte
• City National Bank
• Gensler
• KPMG
• PwC
• McCarthy Cook
• Pinnacle Communications
• Team One
• Yamaha
• Lakeshore Learning

3DE Schools, powered by Junior Achievement, reimagines high school education through interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences connected to real business and community challenges. By bringing professionals into classrooms and students into authentic learning environments, 3DE helps young people build the durable skills and confidence needed for success in college, career, and life.

As conversations around workforce readiness and the future of education continue to evolve, events like Inspired to Hired highlight what becomes possible when schools, businesses, and communities work together with shared purpose.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to believe in students, invest in opportunity, and help create more connected pathways from education to career success.

If your company is interested in supporting career-connected learning and investing in students through 3DE Schools, we would love to connect with you. Please reach out to Alex Rojas at arojas@jasocal.org to learn more about partnership opportunities.