75 years and counting

Washington DECA has impacted the lives of more than 300,000 students, educators, school administrators and business professionals since founded in 1947. Our mission of providing business and leadership opportunities to high school students to succeed in school, careers, and life, shines brighter as the future of the business industry continues to expand, transform, and progress.

75 years ago, there was a rising need for high school students to develop critical skills necessary for entering the business world. Washington DECA has grown from a dozen members to 13,000 members, serving 11 geographical Areas across Washington state.

DECA Diamond Brand

Since the 1940’s, one of the most enduring and significant symbols of DECA is the “DECA Diamond.” Diamonds are rare, prized, and valuable just like DECA student members and graduates. The inner and outer points of the DECA Diamond remind students, teachers, parents, and partners alike how DECA achieves its mission decade after decade.

history of the diamond

DECA Diamond Brand

Since the 1940’s, one of the most enduring and significant symbols of DECA is the “DECA Diamond.” Diamonds are rare, prized, and valuable just like DECA student members and graduates. The inner and outer points of the DECA Diamond remind students, teachers, parents, and partners alike how DECA achieves its mission decade after decade.

FOUR INNER POINTS REPRESENT OUR COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING PROGRAM

DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program comes together to integrate, apply, connect and promote emerging leaders and entrepreneurs:

  1. Integrates into classroom instruction: Authentic experiential learning methods to prepare members for college and career.

  2. Applies Learning: Members put their knowledge into action through rigorous project based activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes.

  3. Connects to Business: Partnerships with businesses at a local and broader level provide DECA members realistic insight into industry and promote meaningful, relevant learning.

  4. Promotes Competition: As in a global economy, a spark of competition drives DECA members to excel and improve their performance.

FOUR OUTER POINTS REPRESENT OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

DECA’s Guiding Principles outline how we fulfill our mission and the outcome of polished, professional, and purpose-driven leader we expect to flow from the emerging leader experience. DECA prepares the next generation of leaders to be:

  1. Academically Prepared: DECA members are ambitious, high achieving leaders equipped to meet the challenges of their aspirations.

  2. Community Oriented: DECA members continually impact and improve their local and broader communities.

  3. Professionally Responsible: DECA members are poised professionals with ethics, integrity and high standards.

  4. Experienced Leaders: DECA members are empowered through experience to provide effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building, and project implementation.