Tools for the Future: College, Careers and Beyond

• DECA experiences give members an advantage when entering a college and a career.
  
  
• The interactivity of the DECA classroom and the experience of working with adults in the community give DECA members the confidence to speak out appropriately in settings such as college classes and business meetings.
  
  
• Producing a written project for DECA competition improves the academic performance of participants. The research, writing and analytical skills they exercise gives them an edge as they go on to further education. The project itself impresses college admissions committees with the rigor of the activity.
  
  
• Research by the National Research Council for Career and Technical Education has demonstrated a positive connection between competitive event participation and growth in academic skills.
  
  
• If a competitive events project wins special recognition at any level of the DECA competitive events structure, the project is in effect endorsed through a process judged by industry representatives.
  
  
• The interactive problem–solving required for DECA role–play events and written event presentations serves members well in both further education and the business world.
  
  
• Working as a team member or team leader on a chapter team project for competitive events or as a part of a team organizing an event (fund–raising, community service, fashion show, etc.) allows members to test and develop teamwork abilities. Research shows that businesses desire these traits and report that lack of teamwork skills (including communication skills) is the main cause of project failure on the job.
  
  
• Scholarships – DECA and its corporate sponsors provide more than $200,000 in scholarships to members.
  
  
• At the annual International Career Development Conference, a Senior Management Institute helps prepare graduating seniors for life after high school, either in careers or in postsecondary education. This institute includes our Executive Mentor Program, a chance for attendees to interact with successful businesspeople for real–world advice.
  
  
• Learning about professional demeanor, dress and etiquette are staples of the "DECA Advantage."
  
  
• Employment in a co–op job placement or in a school store equals real job experience.
  
  
• Stores that attain DECA's gold–level certification follow a template that reinforces the skills developed in operating all phases of the enterprise. (www.schoolbasedenterprises.org)
  
  
• DECA involvement pumps up a résumé.
  
  
• DECA and its partner MarkED, through the A*S*K Institute, are producing certifications based on industry–validated criteria. Many school districts are cooperating in this effort. (See www.ASKInstitute.org)
  
  
• DECA continues to explore ways to articulate your classroom with further education.