How do competitive events in DECA benefit students?

Competitive events in DECA are designed to enhance students' teamwork and leadership skills significantly. These events often involve collaboration with peers, requiring participants to work together to develop solutions to real-world business problems. Through these collaborative experiences, students learn the importance of effective communication, trust, and collective goal-setting, which are critical components of successful teamwork.

Moreover, participating in these events also places students in leadership roles, whether as team leaders or as individuals responsible for presenting their ideas. This experience helps to build confidence and develop essential skills that will be beneficial in their academic and professional futures.

While scholarship opportunities and academic knowledge are certainly important, the core benefit of participation in DECA's competitive events is the emphasis on interpersonal skills and the capacity to lead and work alongside others, preparing students for future career paths. Limiting participation to honors students would detract from DECA’s mission to provide inclusive opportunities for all students to engage and learn.