When a group of high school students walked into a Regions Bank office, they weren’t there just to observe—they were there to present bold ideas about the future of banking.
The results impressed everyone in the room.
As part of 3DE by Junior Achievement, an innovative, project-based educational model, students from 3DE at Lake Worth High School in South Florida delivered final presentations centered on a timely, real-world challenge: How can Regions Bank attract and engage clients under the age of 30?
In a departure from the usual format—where Regions associates visit the school—the experience was flipped. Students were welcomed into a Regions office and branch, giving them the opportunity to present their work in a professional setting while gaining a behind-the-scenes look at banking operations.
Throughout the presentations, students demonstrated thoughtful insights into emerging customer expectations, blending creativity, data-driven thinking, and strong communication skills. One group even created a full branding package for their consulting firm called Apex Advisory, including a website and Instagram presence.
During their visit, students also toured the office and branch and connected directly with Regions associates, who shared career advice, professional insights, and personal experiences. The conversations offered students a clearer view of the many career paths available in financial services and related fields.
This program allows students to see firsthand how their ideas, creativity, and voices matter in a real business environment.
Kelley Brown, Regions Bank Market Executive
“This program allows students to see firsthand how their ideas, creativity, and voices matter in a real business environment,” said Kelley Brown, Regions Bank Market Executive for Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. “Our associates truly enjoyed engaging with these students, learning from their perspectives, and sharing insights that can help them envision future career paths.”
Regions associates participated as mentors and advisors helping guide students as they refined their strategies and presentations. For associates, it was an opportunity to engage with students, support education, and gain fresh perspectives from the next generation. It is an ongoing commitment to educational collaborations and helping students apply academic concepts in practical, career-connected ways.
“3DE at Lake Worth High School was created to make learning more relevant, experiential, and authentically connected to the demands of today’s economy,” said Joe Kennedy, Senior Director, 3DE Schools. “By partnering with organizations like Regions Bank, students gain exposure to real business environments and see how their skills and ideas translate beyond the classroom.”
For students, the day left a lasting impression.
“Experiences like this bring our curriculum to life,” said Carlos Atienza, 3DE Lead Teacher at Lake Worth High School. “Presenting to professionals, receiving feedback, and being welcomed into a workplace like Regions helps students build confidence and imagine futures they can truly strive towards.”
Presenting to professionals, receiving feedback, and being welcomed into a workplace like Regions helps students build confidence and imagine futures they can truly strive towards.
Carlos Atienza