Little else is quite as exciting as watching students turn creativity and knowledge into tangible results.
That’s exactly what Melissa Kupfer from McGrath Insurance Group did when she served as a judge for the 2017 Missouri DECA competition.
What is DECA?
DECA is a unique student run organization. The goal of DECA is to prepare, “emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.” With over 225,000 members across 50 states and in 9 countries, this organization has deep roots. In Missouri specifically, DECA is helping students with entrepreneurial drive uncover their ambitions and propel them forward.
When Melissa was asked to judge one of DECA’s competitions, she had no problem saying yes to support this mission.
The DECA State Career Development Conference
There were 1,800 participating students at the most recent statewide DECA competition at the State Career Development Conference. Each student was given a sales scenario. They had 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to present their ideas. The students were then judged on professionalism, creativity, and the ability to adhere to the task presented.
Out of the 1,800 participants, Melissa judged a group of 12 students. She served alongside over 200 other volunteer judges at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri, who made the competition possible.
Once a student presented to Melissa, they would repeat the process in front of another judge. The students also had to take a 100 question test. Those who qualified advanced to nationals, which will be held in Anaheim, California on April 25 – 30, 2017.
Other Opportunities for Missouri DECA Students
Not only does this organization prepare students for the real world by thinking on their feet through competitions, such as the one Melissa judged, but it also equips students through a variety of other opportunities. Namely, scholarships.
Missouri DECA connects students with $5,000 in scholarships each year. The Foundation for Missouri DECA oversees the program and reviews the applications, determining which students will receive these scholarships.
The theme for the 2016 – 2017 DECA year is “Own Your Future.” We’re excited to have had the opportunity to participate in and guide these students as they lived out that theme and continue their forward movement toward their goals.
To learn more, visit missourideca.org
