What is DECA?
DECA is an after-school club that helps to prepare high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. We are a competition club that meets once a month. The students who join DECA are required to compete at 2 levels. First, there is the Regional Competition. DECA Regionals is the first major competitive event in the DECA competition season. It is a qualifying tournament where high school students compete in various business and marketing events to advance to the state level. Regional competitions typically occur in November. DECA State is a competitive event where high school students from across the state compete in various business-related challenges. State takes place over three days at the Convention Center in North Charleston at the end of February. Students who place in the top three or four in their event have the chance to compete at the International Career Development Conference, held at the end of April.
Another component of the club is the testing portion. Before each competition, they have to take a 100-question vocabulary test. The test counts toward 50% of their competition score. We give them lots of study helps and competition tricks so they do well.
There is a cost for this club. The set fee is $40. This includes the state and national fee charged by DECA. We also charge $40 for Regions to help cover the cost of dinner, subs, and transportation. State fees are usually around $200 because it is a multi-day event. The price covers hotel costs, registration fees, food, subs, and transportation. We do try to raise funds, but this will not normally cover the full cost. DECA members will receive a cord at graduation, and scholarships are available for them to apply for.
Our membership begins in August, at the start of each school year. We will hold an introductory meeting where we provide the information they need to join. If interested, just listen for the announcement in the fall.