JA Scholarships

Mikayla Zayas

St. Petersburg High School, Class of 2025

Attending University of South Florida

” Junior Achievement and 3DE have had a profound impact on my academic and personal development. These programs have bridged the gap between classroom learning and the professional world, allowing me to see the practical applications of concepts I’ve learned in school. Through Junior Achievement, I gained valuable insights into the business world, developing skills in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. This experience not only deepened my understanding of these subjects but also instilled confidence in me to market myself and demonstrate critical thinking. The 3DE program took my learning to the next level. The interactive and immersive approach made complex concepts more engaging and accessible. By working on real-world projects, I developed problem-solving skills, learning to analyze situations, identify challenges, and create innovative solutions.

During my freshman year a memory stands out that is worth talking about. As I stood in front of my 3DE class, pitching for our team’s marketing campaign for a sustainable water bottle company, I realized how far I’d come. Just a year before, I was hesitant to speak up in class, unsure of my ideas and afraid of failure. But Junior Achievement and3DE changed that. Through these programs, I gained hands-on experience in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership. I developed confidence in my abilities, learned to work effectively with others, and discovered my passion for out-of-the-box problem solving. Our marketing campaign project was a turning point for me. I took on a leadership role, guiding my team through market research, strategy development, and presentation design. We worked tirelessly, fueled by our shared vision of creating a sustainable product that could make a real difference. “

Meylin Portal

Chamberlain High School, Class of 2025

Attending University of South Florida

” At my high school being a part of 3DE means being a part of a strong, reliable, and encouraging community. This tight-knit family always encourages personal growth and development. 3DE guided me out of my comfort zone and supported my interests both academically and personally so I made sure to give back to the organization when possible. Academically, without the strong network of student-focused 3DE teachers at my school I would not be where I am today. They encouraged me to further my education by taking online classes and helped me excel along the way. Because of these wonderful mentors, I am graduating a year early. They made sure I was always on the right path and knew of all the opportunities available to me. In addition, the 3DE case challenge presentations, 9th and 10th grade, helped me break the barrier between fear and success. Because of them, I developed essential personal skills like public speaking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 3DE even opened me up to the idea of creating a business one day. Because of this program, I wish to use my education to one day open my own medical clinic. I am confident that with everything I learned from 3DE, I will continue to excel in all aspects of life. Out of appreciation to Junior Achievement, I volunteered at their Tampa Bay location for 100 hours over the summer. I participated in the Summer Venture program where I mentored 3rd to 5th grade students in Biztown. Additionally, I helped Junior Achievement with their annual Thank-A-Ton twice and their JA Homecoming. At school, I am a part of the 3DE Ambassadors club where I help run 3DE events and build student participation through my leadership position. Because of my appreciation and dedication to junior achievement, I feel I deserve the scholarship. Because of 3DE I am leaving high school with skills adults don’t develop until their late 20s. These skills will continue to serve a purpose and help me in all aspects of life. I am grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful community and really valued the time I spent Volunteering Junior Achievement. It is a wonderful organization that is making a big difference through education and I am excited to see how it progresses.  “

Briana DeStoppelaire

St. Petersburg High School, Class of 2025

Attending University of Florida

“Fast forward to now, and 3DE has become more than just a program–it has shaped me into a leader. I am currently the Vice President of the 3DE Ambassadors club, a role that has allowed me to mentor students, work alongside professionals, and advocate for the very program that gave me my first taste of leadership. Through 3DE, I developed the confidence and skills that helped me rise to leadership positions in many other clubs at my school.

3DE didn’t just help me find my place–it transformed me. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, connected me with people who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, and gave me the tools to grow into the person I am today. The first event showed me that I have a voice worth hearing. Now, I use it to lead, to inspire, and to create opportunities for others–just like 3DE did for me. “

Ishmon Johnson

Hillsborough High School, Class of 2025

Attending Morehouse College

” Junior Achievement and 3DE have had a profound impact on both my academic and personal development, equipping me with invaluable skills and experiences that have shaped who I am today. One of the most significant lessons I’ve gained from these programs is the ability to speak confidently in public. Before participating in JA and 3DE, I often found myself struggling with uncertainty when addressing an audience. Through the various projects, case studies, and presentations these programs encouraged, I was pushed out of my comfort zone, learning how to articulate ideas clearly, connect with my audience, and present myself as a capable leader. For example, during a 3DE case challenge, I was responsible for presenting our business solution to a panel of judges. This experience taught me not only the importance of preparation and poise but also how to think on my feet when addressing challenging questions. Beyond public speaking, Junior Achievement and 3DE have fueled my passion for business administration. I have always been deeply interested in the inner workings of businesses, from management strategies to organizational growth. These programs gave me an early glimpse into the real-world applications of these concepts. By analyzing business problems and collaborating with peers, I’ve developed critical thinking and teamwork skills that will undoubtedly serve me in the future. These experiences have solidified my decision to pursue a degree in business administration, giving me the tools and confidence to excel in this field. I believe I am deserving of the JA Scholarship because I have embraced every opportunity provided by these programs to grow as a student and future business leader. JA and 3DE helped me discover my voice, refine my aspirations, and prepare for the challenges ahead. This scholarship would enable me to further build on this foundation, bringing me one step closer to achieving my dreams.  “

Eyob Eshete

Hillsborough High School, Class of 2025

Attending Hillsborough Community College

“Junior Achievement and 3DE were very instrumental in my academic and personal growth in the areas of real-life skills, leadership, and problem-solving. Through these programs, I gained a deeper understanding of business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and financial knowledge in today’s world. They provided me with hands-on experiences that challenged me to think critically, work collaboratively, and develop the confidence needed to tackle real-world challenges. One of the standout experiences was a case challenge where my team and I were tasked with creating a comprehensive strategy for an actual company struggling with low customer engagement. I accepted the position of team captain, ensuring all ideas were captured while also steering the team toward a logical and organized plan. Through collaboration, problem-solving, and a lot of elbow grease, we developed a strategy that not only won the judges’ approval but also boosted my faith in my leadership and decision-making abilities. Beyond this experience, JA and 3DE have reinforced my ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and think strategically. The JA Scholarship would provide the opportunity to further my education while applying the principles I’ve learned. With this support, I can continue to grow as a leader, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact in my community. “

Elena Deokie

Chamberlain High School, Class of 2025

Attending Hillsborough Community College

”  My name is Elena Deokie and I have a very familiar name with JA Tampa. JA has been apart of my life since 5th grade. BizTown gave me an idea of the real world in such a fun way. Going through the interview process, getting the job as the CPA, earning money to purchase my needs and wants, learning how to identify what I needed and what I wanted. All of those things stuck with me until my adolescent years. In 8th grade, we went to Finance Park which taught me the reality of budgeting and critically thinking about what to buy, when to buy it and how to save. These skills benefitted me going into my 3DE years as a High School student. 3DE itself has paved a path of skill building, networking and learning. Learning core competencies for my first 2 years made my last 2 years easy. I built a vending machine for the DELTA case challenge, and had it stored in the Finance Park building, I’ve done many cool events, I was on the news, I was granted a full scholarship to attend the USF Entrepreneurship camp, etc. I was invited to say a speech at the anniversary dinner happening in March and I am currently working on that. I have made so many connections at JA and I am so grateful for the doors that it has opened for me. I am so ready to continue my life after high school and I feel so inspired to reach for the stars.  “

Sydney Hall

Dunedin High School, Class of 2025

Attending Hillsborough Community College

“ Throughout my 4 years in Junior Achievement and 3DE I have had the opportunity to learn about business structure, public speaking and more, however besides the academic guidelines I was able to meet, 3DE and Junior Achievement opened my eyes to a world I didn’t think I could be in. I typically have trouble when it comes to fitting into my age groups, business and professionalism are traits I love maintaining with my character, and when I came into 3DE I started opening up and realizing my potential. I did not think my characteristics would be useful in my classes until 3DE, and from then on out I was able to gain responsibility, financial understanding, business etiquette, and grow as a person. While in 3DE as a Junior I really jumped into the business and entrepreneurship style, I was able to create my own business for my yearlong project and win first place in my schools market expo, where then I went on into the Raymond James competition against other schools competitors, while in the works of competing I learned more about making a business then I thought I would, I was able to understand the numbers and calculating finances for creating a business, and even though I did not win at Raymond James I was able to take my information into my senior year’s yearlong plan. After Raymond James my group and I were competing at Pinellas Education Foundations Next Generation Entrepreneurs competition where my group and I won 2nd place, I had felt extremely grateful and accomplished coming back not only with a 2nd place medal, but a better understand of what it takes to make a business and the confidence you need to overcome your risks and fears for the better of yourself and others. As I am working through my senior year, I have been able to participate in 3DE and Junior Achievement opportunities where I can represent my school and the 3DE program proudly, I enjoy working with 3DE and those at Junior Achievement and this program has finally made me feel understood and allowed me to put my skills to greater use and grow for future opportunities. The administrators and teachers throughout Junior Achievement and 3DEhelped me come out of my shell and I have been more confident then I have before. My character has grown since starting in 3DE and I love and am so grateful to be a positive representative of my school and Junior Achievement where I can speak to those younger then me and inspire them and speak to those older than me and meet their expectations proudly. My academic life has grown tremendously, my new confidence from 3DE has allowed me to enter other clubs and honors societies I wouldn’t have before, my academic life outside of school such as internships and opportunities has grown, and I have met amazing people that understand me and trust me because of my growth from how 3DE inspired me. “

Parker Menne

St. Petersburg High School, Class of 2025

Attending Florida State University

“ Junior Achievement and the 3DE program have had a profound impact on my academic and personal development. Through the program’s innovative approach to education, I have gained a deeper understanding of how classroom learning connects to real-world applications. The case methodology used in the 3DE program has enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making me more adept at tackling complex challenges.
By integrating the business community and industry into the curriculum, 3DE has provided me with valuable insights into various career paths and the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy. This exposure has not only broadened my horizons but also motivated me to strive for excellence in my studies.
At the 3DE Market Expo event, my team, Dry Pink, won the Highest Investment Award and the Creativity and Innovation Award. Within my management role, I was lead presenter and supported my teammates within their various roles from marketing, supply chain and sales/finance. I enjoyed my role as team leader because not only did I get to participate in every part of the year-long project, but I was able to work with and learn from my teammates. Through 3DE I have emerged as a leader. With the skills learned throughout my 4 years of 3DE and the support of our sponsors and community coaches, I was elected President of 3DE Ambassadors at Saint Petersburg High School. My role as President allows me to continue my involvement with the Market Expo event at the school level by mentoring 3DE juniors, managing the school-based Market Day event, creating new traditions like the 3DE Senior Stole Ceremony, organizing culminating events for underclassmen and structuring shadowing opportunities for incoming 9th
graders.
Overall, Junior Achievement and 3DE have equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to thrive in the future economy. They have instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning and a passion for making a positive impact in my community.“