ATLANTA, July 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The SunTrust
Foundation today 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.
About 3DE National
3DE by Junior Achievement is
dedicated to expanding economic opportunity and economic mobility
by re-engineering high school education to improve student
engagement, accelerate academic outcomes, and develop competencies
to excel in the future of work. 3DE schools are developed and
sustained through joint venture partnerships with school districts,
3DE by Junior Achievement and the broader business community. 3DE
launched in Atlanta in 2015 and by
2024 aims to expand to 55 schools serving nearly 20,000 students.
About SunTrust Foundation
The SunTrust Foundation is committed to SunTrust Bank's (NYSE: STI)
purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being by engaging
with local and national organizations to advance financial
confidence. Grants and activities focus primarily on financial
education, financial counseling, career readiness and small
business/entrepreneurship, in addition to local community grants.
The SunTrust Foundation supports American Red Cross disaster relief
efforts and contributes as a United Way Global Corporate Leader.
Established in 2008, the SunTrust Foundation has proudly provided
grants totaling more than $170
million throughout the United
States.
View original
content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/suntrust-foundation-awards-2-million-grant-to-3de-national-300888585.html
SOURCE SunTrust Foundation