Case Partner to Parent: Heather Schoegler’s Journey with 3DE
What started as a professional partnership has become personal for Heather Schoegler, whose son is now thriving in the very model she helped bring to Fort Wayne.
As Head of Education Strategy at Parkview Health, the largest employer in northeast Indiana, Heather was among the first to say “yes” when 3DE was introduced to Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) in 2021. She immediately saw the model’s potential and committed Parkview Health to supporting case challenges in all five high schools.
With other high school options available, Heather and her husband made the intentional choice to enroll their son, Carter, in a Fort Wayne Community School specifically because of 3DE. They recognized the model’s unique ability to go beyond traditional education, leading students to develop real-world competencies through case method, business connectivity, and experiential learning.
Heather now experiences 3DE not just as a case partner, but as a proud mom. Last year, she was able to watch her son and his team present their innovative recommendations to Arby’s. Their solution—partnering with the YMCA to provide nutritious food for marginalized communities—stood out as a creative, collaborative approach to engaging the 13- to 17-year-old demographic. Their hard work paid off, winning the competition at Snider and reinforcing Heather’s belief in the power of 3DE.
Reflecting on the experience, Heather shared in a LinkedIn post:
“The skills these students are demonstrating, even as freshmen, are going to make them highly desirable as our future co-workers. Getting to see what the efforts of JA and FWCS mean in the trajectory of my child’s future is the good stuff.”
Beyond her personal connection, Heather’s commitment to 3DE continues to grow. Parkview Health’s involvement expanded this year to partners for the twelfth-grade capstone project, Senior Consultancy, at both North Side and Snider High Schools, offering students another hands-on experience that bridges education and industry.
Pat Morello, 3DE Market Lead for Fort Wayne Community Schools, described Heather’s impact as transformative. “When we first pitched this concept, Heather immediately saw the value and committed to all five high schools. Now, seeing her son Carter thrive in 3DE is a testament to her foresight. We are truly showing students a new way to school and in the process, developing the leaders of the future.”
Heather’s experience as both a partner and a parent reflects the full-circle impact of 3DE. When business leaders invest in students, they spark a cycle of transformation that strengthens schools, empowers learners, and shapes a workforce filled with highly capable coworkers.