The SunTrust Foundation announced a three-year grant of $2 million to 3DE National to continue the nonprofit’s expansion in metro Atlanta and launch 3DE schools outside of Georgia for the first time, bringing the innovative high school model to Florida, Texas and the District of Columbia.
 
3DE schools infuse education with real-world experiences through corporate partners and experiential design. The school model creates engaging learning environments and empowers students with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to unlock greater economic opportunity.
 
“Career readiness and workforce development are among areas of focus that drive the SunTrust Foundation’s actions and investments,” said Stan Little, president of the SunTrust Foundation. “The ground-breaking work that 3DE is doing in the high school classroom aligns seamlessly with our mission to build up our communities and help others gain financial confidence.”
 
In 2015, 3DE first launched at Banneker High School, the highest-poverty and lowest-performing high school in Fulton County School System. The new school model led to a 91% graduation rate, representing a 46% increase overall. There are now six 3DE schools in four metro Atlanta districts - Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County School District, Fulton County School System and Gwinnett County Public Schools. Each location continues to demonstrate positive outcomes with increased student engagement, academic gains and development of transferable competencies.
 
“SunTrust Foundation was a founding partner of the first 3DE schools. Their visionary leadership and strategic engagement were instrumental in the early success,” said Jack Harris, president and CEO of 3DE. “We are grateful for the continued support of the SunTrust Foundation and their extended partnership as a National Signature Partner of 3DE schools.”
 
The 3DE approach creates interdisciplinary learning environments that apply academic standards to real-world experiences. It exposes students to a broad range of careers and industries that build critical thinking, problem solving, analytical reasoning, communication and collaboration.