Compton, CA — September 17, 2025

Junior Achievement of Southern California (JASoCal) is proud to announce the expansion of the 3DE learning model in partnership with Compton Unified School District (CUSD). The innovative 3DE program is now active at Compton High School and Centennial High School, joining Dominguez High School, which is entering its third year of 3DE implementation. With three 3DE schools in Compton, students have more opportunities for real-world learning and future-ready education.

Celebrating Education Innovation in Compton

The launch event, held at the Compton High School Performing Arts Center, featured performances from the Compton and Centennial High School bands, inspiring student testimonials, and remarks from district leaders, principals, and JASoCal representatives.

Compton Unified Board Members Alma Taylor and Satra Zurita highlighted the importance of expanding access to programs that prepare students for college, careers, and life. Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley emphasized the district’s commitment to high school education innovation: “With 3DE, we are preparing our scholars for the 21st-century economy. Expanding this program across our high schools enhances student engagement, confidence, and achievement.”

Dr. Les McCabe, President and CEO of JASoCal, explained how the 3DE instructional model transforms learning: “Through real-world challenges from companies like Delta Air Lines, Deloitte, Gensler, and NBCUniversal, students master critical skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and self-direction. This approach ensures students develop career-readiness skills while understanding the purpose behind their learning.”

3DE gives students the chance to learn through real-world challenges from companies like Delta Air Lines, Deloitte, Gensler, and NBCUniversal. They are mastering collaboration, creativity, and communication—skills that ensure choice-filled lives.

– Dr. Les McCabe

Student Success and Impact

Principals and students shared their experiences with 3DE. Teachers have been training for over a year to implement the curriculum, ensuring alignment with the district’s strategic plan. Students from Dominguez High, including Melzar Garcia and Maloni Williams, highlighted how the program increased their confidence and connected classroom learning to real-world applications.

Nationwide, 3DE schools show impressive results:

• 100% of students develop skills toward competency mastery
• 20.3% fewer cases of chronic absenteeism compared to non-3DE peers
• 30.2% higher first-year college enrollment than students not in 3DE

For Compton students, the model provides equitable access to high-quality, future-focused education and a chance to explore career pathways while still in high school.

A Milestone for Compton Unified

With the expansion to Compton High and Centennial High, JASoCal and CUSD continue to set a statewide example for high school education innovation. Board President Micah Ali summed it up: “Our students are not waiting for opportunity—they are seizing it. Thanks to Junior Achievement, they are shaping their futures and developing the skills to succeed in college, careers, and life.”

Looking Ahead

The launch of 3DE across three Compton high schools marks a new era in student-centered, real-world learning. Through JASoCal’s leadership and strong corporate partnerships, Compton students are gaining the skills, confidence, and experiences that will prepare them for a choice-filled future.

The highlight of the morning came when Dominguez High students, Melzar Garcia and Maloni Williams, spoke about how 3DE has boosted their confidence and opened doors to future career paths. Their stories embodied the program’s mission: connecting education to purpose and opportunity.