(SOUTH FULTON, Ga.) — Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia, a non-profit dedicated to teaching students financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial skills, is proud to announce that the City of South Fulton proclaimed Thursday, April 3, 2025, as “Banneker High School 3DE Leadership & Innovation Day.” This declaration recognizes student leadership and the innovative high school program, 3DE, focused on entrepreneurship and financial literacy, implemented by JA of Georgia. Councilwoman Carmalitha L. Gumbs, MBA, MHA, District 2, presented the honor to students in the 3DE (pronounced "3-D-E") program at Banneker High School during a special ceremony following their Market Expo showcase.
Third-year 3DE students at Banneker High School participated in this innovative program, spending the academic year developing and launching their own businesses, learning fundamental principles of entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing, thereby enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. The rigorous curriculum culminated in the Market Expo, where students presented and sold their products or services, applying real-world business strategies. JA of Georgia's 3DE model emphasizes experiential learning in schools across the state.
Several South Fulton council members volunteered as mentors to the 3DE students, dedicating their time to providing guidance in refining their business ideas. The students' creativity, professionalism, and innovation during the mentoring so impressed the council members that they formally recognized their achievements with the prestigious proclamation.
Councilwoman Gumbs delivered the surprise announcement and official proclamation plaque at the conclusion of the Market Expo. Students were met with applause as they finished their final sales, celebrating their accomplishments in this innovative educational environment.
Further supporting the student entrepreneurs and their development of financial literacy, representatives from Community Teen Coalition pledged financial contributions to several outstanding student companies, inspired by their business ventures.
This recognition highlighted the transformative impact of the 3DE program at Banneker High School in equipping students with essential skills, confidence, and real-world experience. The City of South Fulton’s proclamation underscored the students’ hard work and the program’s role in developing future leaders and innovators with strong financial literacy skills.
To learn more about 3DE schools across the Greater Atlanta area and JA of Georgia’s mission to foster financial literacy and support innovative high school programs, visit georgia.ja.org/3de.