3DE: Inspiring the next generation of innovation in financial literacy

Helping young people build financial confidence early can shape how they set goals, make decisions and plan for the future. As part of its long-standing commitment to community impact, Raymond James welcomed local high school students to its St. Petersburg, Florida, headquarters for the fourth annual 3DE Innovators Showcase, hosted in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA).

The event brought together 11th-grade students from across the Tampa Bay area to present original business concepts and tackle real-world challenges, connecting classroom learning with practical financial and entrepreneurial skills.

A Partnership Rooted in Education

Raymond James’ partnership with Junior Achievement spans more than 40 years, beginning in 1982 when Chairman Emeritus Tom James joined the JA Tampa Bay board. Since then, the firm has supported a variety of JA programs that promote financial and economic education, including JA BizTown, JA Finance Park and, more recently, 3DE.

Today, that partnership continues through associate volunteerism, leadership engagement and immersive learning experiences like the Innovators Showcase, which gives students direct exposure to business leaders and professional environments.

What Is 3DE?

Launched in 2015, 3DE (three-dimensional education) reimagines high school learning through a hands-on, project-based model that blends academics with real business challenges. Schools partner with companies like Raymond James to give students the opportunity to research problems, develop solutions and present their ideas to industry professionals.

The Tampa Bay area is now home to nine 3DE schools and is recognized as one of the program’s strongest markets, helping students strengthen problem solving, collaboration and financial decision-making skills.

Innovators Showcase Highlights

The Innovators Showcase serves as a capstone experience for participating students. Teams from nine Tampa Bay high schools were selected to present their business ideas, with standout teams advancing to a pitch competition judged by Raymond James leaders and community members. Patrick O’Connor, Chief Operations Officer of Private Client Group for RJA, welcomed students to the event and toured the showcase. “What’s exciting is that through the 3DE Innovators Showcase, we’ve been able to go beyond the classroom environment and create a financial learning experience that’s immersive, scaled and does a good job at helping the kids who are participating to retain what they learn in the long term,” said O’Connor. “That and events like this directly embed lessons about business and inspiring an entrepreneurial spirit in youngsters. Showing high schoolers – from all walks of life – what they can achieve can be life changing.”

This year’s first-place team from St. Petersburg High School impressed judges with Buzz-Stop, a school bus tracking app designed with student safety in mind. For many students, the experience marked their first time pitching in a professional setting, helping to build confidence that extends well beyond the classroom.

Ready for School: Supporting Learning from the Start

Raymond James’ commitment to education begins well before high school. Through its Ready for School program, the firm supports early childhood literacy and learning initiatives designed to help children enter school prepared to succeed.

By investing in access to books, literacy tools and community partnerships, Ready for School helps address learning gaps early, laying out a strong foundation that complements later programs like Junior Achievement and 3DE. Together, these efforts reflect a continuum of support that empowers students from their first days of learning through career exploration and financial independence. "We've been thrilled to see the results of Ready for School so far, and having Junior Achievement as one of the beneficiaries of this larger program really speaks to our commitment to students, to education, and to investing in the future of the workforce here in Tampa Bay and beyond. I think Junior Achievement epitomizes what Ready for School is about and we're thrilled that Junior Achievement is one of the participants in this program," said O’Connor.

To learn more about the Ready for School program click here.

Making a Lasting Community Impact

From early literacy to high school innovation, Raymond James is proud to support educational programs that open doors, spark curiosity and prepare students for the future. Partnerships with organizations like Junior Achievement help bring these experiences to life, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for generations to come.

Raymond James Cares

Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy, click here.

To see how associates give back all year long, follow Raymond James on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.