Lubbock Christian University (LCU) will host the DECA District-8 (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Career and Development Conference this Thursday, January 16. Approximately 230 students representing high schools from the Midland/Odessa area to Pampa, which include Lubbock ISD, Lubbock Cooper ISD, and Frenship ISD, will showcase their skills, compete for excellence, and aim to represent District-8 at the state level in Dallas.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management by providing students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the business world. Students in DECA District-8 compete in events focusing on developing leadership qualities, ethical practices, and community involvement.
Brittany Wright, DECA District-8 Director, shared, “DECA provides a place for all students to truly practice industry-specific skills, learn the importance of networking, engage in activities that require hard work and dedication, and have fun while doing it. One of the most exciting parts of DECA is taking kids on trips around the US and watching them meet and interact with other members from all over the world. For many of them, a trip to Dallas, Houston, or even ICDC in Florida or California, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. When they realize all their hard work and dedication pays off, it is priceless. The joy they have on the state stage is a memory ingrained in our hearts and why we advisors do what we do.”
DECA offers 54 competitive events to student-members. The events fall in the following career clusters: marketing, entrepreneurship, management, finance, and hospitality. Within each career cluster, members may compete in individual role play series, team decision making events, or written project plans. These events range across industries and challenge competitors to make quick decisions and plans based on scenarios, development business plans and concepts, or plan and execute project management events.
One element of DECA includes a community service project. This year while at DECA Leadership, chapters were asked to bring fleece fabric to create blankets for kids in the foster care system. Each chapter took home finished blankets and donated them locally. In Lubbock, blankets were donated to Caleb's Closet, who provides children in foster care with free clothing, toys, personal care products, baby items, and other essential needs.
Numerous industry professionals and local business owners from the area will be serving as judges for the competitions, in addition to faculty from the LCU School of Business. Dr. Laci Richardson, Bill and Mildred Crozier Assistant Professor of Accounting at LCU, stated, “It is a great privilege to host the Texas District 8 DECA competition on our campus. The exceptional high school students showcase their hard work during various judged competitions. LCU faculty, staff, and students participate as judges and hosts and have the chance to interact with these talented students. We look forward to this event each spring.”