DECA, a great opportunity for business-minded students

DECA, a great opportunity for business-minded students

“Of the 1,895,000 bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2014–15, the greatest numbers of degrees were conferred in the fields of business (364,000),” according to the National Center for Education Statistics. With this in mind, Kingsway teachers and administration formed a business leadership academy three years ago and started a local business chapter of DECA which helps students master skills in business by encouraging them to participate in competitions.   

Membership in the academy and the club really helps students have an entrepreneurial mindset ” stated Patricia Conn, the DECA adviser and Business Leadership  Academy teacher.

In these business competitions, students from around the country learn terms and concepts to solve simulated problems. Any academy student can participate in the competitions and choose the events in which they wish to participate.

“I am so excited to go compete at DECA this year, and I hope we get to go to Orlando, Florida for the international competition!” stated William Liczbinski, a BLA student at Kingsway.

DECA  also holds challenges for their members.

“When in the competitions, we have to do a role play like if we are a mail man, and the price of postal stamps have risen. So you have to explain to an angry customer why the price has risen.” said Tori Griffiths, a freshman BLA student.l

All business academy students get access to the  world of DECA and are given the opportunity to show their business knowledge as competitors choose a category and learn the ins and outs of that concept. Whether it is finance, marketing, or hospitality and tourism students take a test and participate in a role play for the competition. Students can win scholarships and gain experience in the business world.

DECA students also have to wear professional attire in competitions, so academy students get to dress up in formal clothes or their academy polos on Wednesday each month. Though only academy students can do it, non-BLA kids can get into the program in the summer between sophomore and junior year.