DECA, also known as Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a high school and college program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. It offers a range of educational programs, competitive events, and resources to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in college and careers.
Here are some key aspects of DECA in high school:
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Membership: DECA has more than 226,000 student members, teacher advisors, alumni, and professionals worldwide. Joining DECA provides students with the opportunity to participate in its high school programs at the local, chartered association, and international levels.
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Classroom Integration: DECAs instructional component empowers teacher-advisors to make learning relevant by integrating educational programs into classroom instruction, applying learning, connecting to business, and promoting competition. This helps students learn business concepts in a practical and engaging way.
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Competitive Events: DECA offers a variety of competitive events that allow students to put their knowledge and skills to the test. These events can be grouped into three categories: role-plays and case studies, prepared events, and online simulations. Students can choose events that best fit their career interests and skills.
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Experiential Learning: DECA activities provide authentic, project-based learning methods that require creative solutions with practical outcomes. This hands-on approach helps students develop problem-solving, presentation, and leadership skills.
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Benefits: Engaging with DECA has been shown to have positive effects on students' GPAs and college and career readiness. Additionally, DECA offers various opportunities for travel, recognition, scholarships, and even DECA Glass for learning classroom content.
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Resources: DECA provides a range of resources for its members and advisors, including the DECA Direct Online platform, which brings content into one place. This allows students and advisors to access cutting-edge resources, connect with the DECA community, and stay updated on the latest developments in the field of business education.
