Ocoee, Florida – In a rapidly changing world, having an entrepreneurial mindset is becoming more important than ever. At Ocoee High School, the 3DE program, a partnership between Junior Achievement and local businesses, is transforming the way students learn about the business world.
This unique four-year program introduces students to real business challenges right from the start. By the time they hit eleventh grade, they aren’t just imagining their future in business—they are actually launching their own ventures.
A key event in the program is Market Expo Day, where students get the chance to display their business ideas to the public.
“3DE is a fantastic program that lets students work on real issues alongside local businesses. They begin by developing recommendations and eventually move on to starting their own companies,” explained Mayra Blackburn, the program’s coordinator.
With Market Expo Day on the way, students are busy perfecting their business plans with guidance from industry experts like Kareisa Genal from Addition Financial. “We’re helping them discover marketing strategies that go beyond the norm, inspiring them to think outside the box,” said Genal.
But the program isn’t just about business knowledge. It also promotes skills like creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, which are useful in any career. Students like Colby Salvatore are using social media to promote their business, “Stay Frosty,” while the team behind “Chocolate Nibbles” is busy refining their product offerings.
The JAARK Thrift team is also making progress, using surveys to enhance their business approach. “Our aim is to provide a range of affordable clothing options that allow students to express their individuality,” they shared.
As Market Expo Day nears, these students are not only learning entrepreneurial skills but also gaining confidence and creating their own future paths. The 3DE program at Ocoee High School is more than a simple business class—it’s a platform for nurturing the next generation of innovators.
