About Deca

It all Starts in the Classroom—DECA’s Home Base

The DECA classroom is a learning experience like no other. In many ways, the DECA classroom has been likened to a "learning laboratory" where students can explore the real- life impact of their decisions, participate in activities where they can make a difference in their community, and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.

Students take elective courses in marketing and business where the curriculum includes the DECA Program. The Marketing classroom is the DECA member's home base, and DECA is an integral component of the class experience. Their marketing teacher, also called the DECA Advisor, is always there to listen, encourage and guide students' achievements. DECA Advisors spend hours with students helping them discover their strengths. These special teachers are often remembered by their students not only as a teacher, but also as a role model and mentor.

DECA classroom activities are exciting because they go far beyond textbook learning. Members participate in operating their school stores, working in teams on various projects, and become involved in civic activities where they make important contributions to their communities. DECA also connects students to the world of business outside the classroom.

DECA members are teamed with business professionals for job shadowing and mentoring programs, a learning experience that gives them an enormous head start on their careers.

A Chance to Interact with Real-World Business Professionals

The excitement of participating in a DECA conference makes these events among the highlights of a DECA member's experience. Students participate in a series of hands-on learning opportunities and meet business leaders and students from around the state. Members attend the conference in business attire and participate in an extraordinary array business-related events.

Students may choose from among numerous leadership and team-building exercises, explore career opportunities, and learn the latest trends in the business community. It's an opportunity to interact with successful business leaders and other motivated marketing and business students.

The air in the conference center is charged with electricity and youthful energy-mirrored on the faces of the thousands of students in attendance. Each conference showcases new and dynamic motivational speakers who inspire and excite DECA members to achieve their true potential and overcome obstacles to success.

Amidst the leadership seminars, career seminars and workshops is DECA's premier student Marketing and Career Fair. Businesses, colleges and universities, employers, and many more marketers from across the state and country set up exhibits to promote their products and services. Students may gather information about their choices for further education, evaluate possible vendors for their local chapter and student store, collect fund-raising ideas and complete job applications for current openings across the state.

DECA conferences incorporate social activities as well, offering members an enjoyable and safe social environment. This balance of learning, fun and excitement is what keeps members returning to DECA conferences year after year.

Competition Builds Skills and Confidence

Washington DECA helps to evaluate student achievement and provides opportunities for student recognition through a comprehensive Competitive Events Program. Competition provides constructive avenues for individual and team expression, initiative and creativity. DECA members assume responsibility for self-improvement and self-discipline and demonstrate their acquired competencies through individual and team activities.

Competition is the heart of the DECA experience. Members compete in over 35 team and individual categories, each relating to a potential career path. Competitors are judged by volunteers from Washington businesses who are experienced professionals in the categories.

For student members, DECA competition allows them to explore their own career aspirations and learn how business works. They develop speaking skills and poise ...leadership tools for the future. Volunteer judges find it inspiring to see the talent and enthusiasm of DECA competitors.

Competitors receive recognition in the form of medals, trophies and continuing education scholarships. DECA is a national and international organization; local competition may be just the beginning. The opportunity to travel and represent their school and state at higher levels of competition is a powerful incentive. DECA members receive recognition in their schools and communities, and the skills and confidence they gain through competition will follow them throughout their careers in business.

The Importance of Character Is DECA’s Greatest Gift

Strong character, a winning personality and a vibrant spirit are often what draws employers to DECA Members. DECA's programs not only inspire students to achieve tangible objectives, but they also develop the intangible - strength of character - that stays with them all their lives.

The character that businesses seek in future employees is often comprised of those virtues that are not learned from reading textbooks. Many Washington businesses recruit DECA members to join their team because they value the personal qualities, work ethic and sense of purpose that DECA members bring to their careers.

Through co-op work programs, working in DECA student stores and working on team projects in the classroom, members discover the importance of being a reliable team player. They have pride in their work and follow through on their commitments to others. It is the passion for learning, the respect for education and the self-confidence in one's own abilities that shine so brightly in the hearts of DECA members.

DECA members benefit from meeting and learning from business role models and mentors, both within their educational systems and in the business community at large. They make friends among like-minded students who share and support their values. DECA provides a compass by which motivated and energetic students find opportunities for growth and learning that will last a lifetime.