DECA

DECA Woodlands, DECA Woods

DECA is an international academic competition focusing on business studies. Students gain subject-specific knowledge and then apply those skills using creativity, critical thinking, presentation skills and teamwork. Students have the opportunity to apply their skills in competition at the regional, provincial, and international levels. Since 2001, the student-led chapter has grown to become one of the best in Canada, taking trophies at the international competition during every year of its 20-year history. It is the biggest club at the Woodlands.

Contact

Preferred contact method: Message @deca.woodlands or an exec on Instagram or email decawoods@gmail.com

@deca.woodlands

facebook.com/decawoodlands/

@DECAWoodlands

647-561-7926

decawoods@gmail.com

decawoodlands.com/

linktr.ee/decawoods

Storage Room B

Meetings

Meetings take place virtually every Tuesday at 4–5 PM on Google Classroom/Meets. Meetings are year-round. Only registered members may participate in meetings.

Each meeting will feature a lesson taught by cluster directors. Note: During years without COVID/sanctions, after regionals, lessons will be oriented toward members who have qualified for the next level of competition.

Membership

Membership is open to students of all grades. Grades 7-8 cannot compete but may participate in DECA Junior, which prepares students for secondary competition. Students must apply to become a member at the beginning of the year.

New members can apply by filling out this form, due October 13th, 2021. Successful applicants will be expected to pay a registration fee for DECA Woodlands. Those with financial limitations should speak to Ms. Orr. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please reach out to any DECA executive.

Students are expected to study and complete homework outside of weekly lessons. This year, members must pay a registration fee of $35. DECA sweaters are available for members to purchase each year.

Competition

Due to COVID and sanctions, DECA Woodlands will not be participating in its usual 3-tier competition system this year. We will be hosting inter-school competitions instead.

Typically, DECA has three levels of competition: regionals, provincials, and international (the International Career Development Conference, or ICDC), with qualification necessary to advance to the next level. They occur in November, February, and April, respectively.

Each level consists of a 100-question multiple-choice exam, also known as an MC (sample exam), and a roleplay portion, done either individually or as a team depending on the event chosen. Events are categories of competition. Students must choose either an oral or written event. Written events do not have a roleplay portion, but rather require a paper and a presentation.

In addition to the above events, students also have the option of competing in Virtual Business Challenge (VBC) events or the Stock Market Game (SMG, unavailable during the 2021/2022 year), which are online events, in teams of 1 to 3 members.

Activities

For over 60 years, DECA has been the starting ground for tens of millions of emerging student leaders. DECA is an international association of high school students interested in business. Each year, members compete at the regional, provincial, and international levels in the areas of marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship. Through DECA's case study approach, students learn to formulate coherent ideas, apply real-world concepts, and deliver persuasive presentations. By the end of their DECA journey, members are professionally responsible leaders who are innovative, knowledgeable, and academically prepared for the world of business.

The executive team consists of two co-presidents, six vice presidents each responsible for a different aspect of DECA Woodlands’ operations, and one junior liaison (see Executives). Students are assigned to a cluster (business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and tourism, marketing, principles, or writtens), each of which is led by directors who teach students information and strategies relevant to the cluster.

During a typical year without COVID/sanctions, students also have the option of competing in the VBC or the SMG (online events), which are also led by a director. (see Competition Structure)

The Junior Leadership Conference is run by DECA every year and is open to elementary (7-8) students. It is typically held on a Saturday at the end of November.

Affiliate clubs: DECA Junior (open to elementary students)

The optional mentorship program pairs high school members with experienced competitors.