Students Pitch Travel Solutions to Delta at 3DE™ Culminating Event

Author: Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Published: Friday, 02 May 2025

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Image caption: Ellie Schrader, Jassey Carter, and Kaitlyn Krohse from Alburnett CSD celebrate their win at the 3DE by Junior Achievement Culminating Event after presenting their innovative business solution. Photo by Rob Miller, Eastern Iowa Airport

On April 30th, 9th grade students from Alburnett and College Community School Districts took flight—figuratively—at the Eastern Iowa Airport, where they presented innovative solutions to a real-world business challenge posed by Delta Airlines. The event was part of the 3DE™ by Junior Achievement model, a program that connects students with authentic business problems and prepares them for success beyond the classroom.

Held inside the Coe College Hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport, the culminating event brought together students, educators, and community leaders for a showcase of creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. Delta challenged the students with a timely question:
“What can Delta do to make the boarding process more enjoyable for passengers?” Over several weeks, students collaborated in teams, researched airline operations, and designed original ideas to improve the passenger experience. From each school—Alburnett and Prairie—two standout teams were selected to pitch their proposals to a panel of high-profile judges.

The judging panel included:
• Jack Harris, President & CEO of Junior Achievement USA® and founder of 3DE™
• Tiffany O’Donnell, Mayor of Cedar Rapids
• Martin Lenss, CEO of the Eastern Iowa Airport

Image caption: Judges at the 3DE by Junior Achievement Culminating Event listen to student presentations and provide valuable feedback on their business solutions. Photo by Rob Miller, Eastern Iowa Airport

Representing Alburnett, the student teams included:
• Ellie Schrader, Jassey Carter, Kaitlyn Krohse
• Isabella Bohl, Myleigh French, Mya Holsinger, Eaghan Fleshman

Representing Prairie High School, the teams were:
• Emeri Hill, Jaelyn Sickels, Kennedy Hurlbert
• Brynnley Fetzer, Ryker Bennett, Lily Abernathy, Calvin Noska

After impressive presentations and thoughtful Q&A sessions with the judges, the team of Ellie Schrader, Jassey Carter, and Kaitlyn Krohse from Alburnett was selected as the winning group.

Image caption: 3DE Case Coordinator Seth Pennock kicks off the Culminating Event by introducing student teams and providing an overview of the 3DE model and its impact on real-world learning. Photo by Rob Miller, Eastern Iowa Airport

Their triumphant concept focused on improving the comfort and appeal of the boarding area. The team proposed new seating equipped with retractable desktops and footstools to enhance passenger comfort while waiting. They justified the cost of the upgrade by highlighting the positive return on investment through increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. They also recommended tinted windows to reduce glare and create a more relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere for travelers.

Reflecting on the experience, one student shared, “It was a great opportunity to work on a real-world problem and present our ideas to professionals. We learned so much about teamwork and communication.”

This event marked the final phase of a complete case cycle—a key component of the 3DE™ model—which includes a case launch, in-class coaching, and a culminating pitch experience. It’s all part of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s mission to equip students with real-world skills like public speaking, problem solving, teamwork, and career readiness.

Image caption: ack Harris, CEO of Junior Achievement USA and founder of 3DE, presents the trophy to the winning team from Alburnett CSD at the 3DE Culminating Event. Photo by Rob Miller, Eastern Iowa Airportto credit:

Want to learn more? Check out the media coverage from:
• KCRG: Eastern Iowa students pitch ideas to improve airport experience
• The Gazette: Iowa students stand up with ideas for how Delta passengers can better sit down

Congratulations to all of the student teams who participated—you demonstrated the kind of innovation and confidence that will take you far!
To learn more about 3DE™ and other programs offered by Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, visit www.jaeasterniowa.org or explore the national model at www.3DEschools.org.