Teens tackle universal pain points: Junior Achievement competition pushes students to pitch biz ideas

A new student innovation competition linked to Junior Achievement not only challenges Kansas City teens to develop business solutions for immediate real-world problems, said Will Bowler; fostering entrepreneurial thinking develops longer-term impacts.

Olathe East High School teachers Angela Ward and Will Bowler listen as their student, Josie Smotrella, participates in a fireside chat conversation during the 3DE Innovators Showcase; not pictured, student panelists Grace Eden and Kalieb Schuerman; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“This program empowers them,” said Bowler, a teacher at Olathe East High School, as students wrapped up Tuesday’s 3DE Innovators Showcase at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Conference Center. “They walk away knowing they can handle themselves in any situation.”

The inaugural 3DE event — hosted by Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City — ultimately crowned a winning team from among groups of about 40 students representing Northeast and Olathe East high schools. 

To get there, the top four teams pitched their business ventures to a panel of local entrepreneurs and business leaders, including Jannae Gammage, Cyphr, Vu Radley, MADE MOBB, Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and Steven Anthony, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. Each team presented business models, customer needs, marketing strategies, and potential partnerships.

“These students tackle problems even adults struggle with,” Bowler said. “Watching their growth is inspiring.”

Click here to learn more about 3DE by Junior Achievement.

Olathe East High School students Hayden Shaver, Lillian Bryant, and Harkiran Kaur present their business concept, Paper Boutique, during the 3DE Innovators Showcase; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

A team project called Paper Boutique captivated judges with its idea: a sustainable, customizable planner that integrates digital and physical organization.

The winning team: Paper Boutique, Olathe East High School, Lillian Bryant, Harkiran Kaur, and Hayden Shaver; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“We all have busy lives and forget things,” said Harkiran Kaur, a member of Paper Boutique. “Our solution is a planner with scannable features that syncs with your phone, so you have both a digital and physical copy.”

What set Paper Boutique apart: its focus on personalization and technology.

“We offer full customization,” added teammate Hayden Shaver. “From covers to page layouts and even app notifications, each planner is tailored to the user.”

Lillian Bryant, another team member, emphasized the product’s market potential.

“Our key demographic is students,” she explained. “We want to partner with universities and brands like Disney to reach their loyal fan base.”

Other awards presented included the Operational Excellence Award, won by Sweet Eats and Abundance; the Impact Award, claimed by Lawngevity; the Innovators Award, awarded to Nature’s Bubbles Co.; and the Investor’s Choice Award, which went to Greenbait.

Operational Excellence Award: Sweet Eats and Abundance

Impact Award: Lawngevity

Innovators Award: Nature’s Bubbles Co.

Investor’s Choice Award: Greenbait

Showcasing solutions

Beyond Paper Boutique, the competition featured a diverse range of business ideas, demonstrating students’ ability to identify market gaps and create solutions.

The top student team pitches included:

•   Imaria — Custom perfume and body oils designed for individuals with sensitive skin.
•   Nail Shop — A mobile nail service offering convenient, high-quality manicures.
•   Pepbox — Personalized care packages aimed at helping students manage academic stress.

Team: Imaria, Northeast High School

Team: Nail Shop, Northeast High School

Team: Pepbox, Olathe East High School

Getting real

In addition to the competition, the event featured a fireside chat with educators who have seen firsthand the impact of the 3DE by Junior Achievement program. 

Teachers praised the model for its ability to equip students with critical business skills and problem-solving abilities.

“3DE breaks down barriers and gives students tools to navigate business challenges,” said Angela Ward, a teacher at Olathe East High School. “They’re not just learning concepts; they’re applying them.”

Students viewed the 3DE event as a transformative learning experience, gaining more confidence and leadership skills.

“It’s changed how I approach challenges,” said Grace Eden, a 10th grader. “It also introduced me to friends I never would have met otherwise.”

Kalieb Schuerman, another student, noted how the program helped him develop essential skills.

“I’ve learned so much about business and communication,” he said. “You can tell which students are in 3DE by how they present and problem-solve.”