Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,

Welcome to our latest edition of the CODCA DECA Update! As your DECA sponsor, I am thrilled to share the exciting opportunities and achievements our students have been engaged in. DECA plays a vital role in preparing our students to become future leaders and entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills needed for success in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Through DECA, students gain hands-on experience, develop critical thinking and leadership skills, and build a strong foundation for their future careers and college endeavors. Our program is dedicated to fostering an environment where students can explore their passions, challenge themselves, and connect with professionals and peers who share their interests.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for DECA at CODCA. Together, we are shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders. Let's make this year our best yet!

Warm regards,

Mr. Galen Harkness

DECA Sponsor, CODCA

Strategic Wealth Designer Denver In-person Business Competition:

What: Students will be coached by Salesforce volunteers on solving a real-world challenge. Each team will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of judges and win a cash prize!

When: Thursday October 10th, 2024 (10-2pm)

Student Count: 30-35 students

Where: 4600 S Syracuse St #100, Denver, CO 80237

VIRTUAL Samsung Mock Interview

What: Students will be coached by SWD volunteers on solving a real-world challenge. Each team will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of judges and win a cash prize!

When: September 26th, 2024 (1-3:30pm EST)

Student Count: 15-20 students

Where: Zoom

All spots are open

VIRTUAL Costco college and career panel

What: Students will be coached by SWD volunteers on solving a real-world challenge. Each team will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of judges and win a cash prize!

When: September 24, 2024 (1-2pm EST)

Student Count: Unlimited (Suggested 8th grade and up)

Where: Zoom

All spots are open

DECA Website - https://www.deca.org/hs

DECA Emerging Leader Series - https://www.deca.org/emergingleaders

DECA Chapter Campaign's - https://www.deca.org/campaigns

DECA Competitive Events - https://www.deca.org/compete

DECA Challenges - https://www.deca.org/challenges

Parents play a crucial role in the success of our DECA program. Here are some ways you can support your student's journey with DECA:

- **Volunteer for Events:** We are always in need of enthusiastic volunteers for DECA events and competitions. Whether it's helping with logistics or mentoring students, your support makes a big difference.

- **Attend Meetings:** Join us for our regular DECA meetings and workshops to stay informed about what your student is learning and experiencing. It's a great opportunity to connect with other parents and advisors.

- **Offer Expertise:** If you have experience in marketing, finance, hospitality, or management, consider sharing your knowledge with our students through guest speaking or workshops.

- **Encourage Participation:** Encourage your student to participate in DECA activities and competitions. Your support and encouragement can boost their confidence and motivation.

- **Support Fundraising Efforts:** Participate in fundraising activities to help DECA provide more opportunities and resources for our students.

Staff Appreciation

Our DECA program would not be possible without the incredible support of our dedicated staff members. We'd like to take a moment to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to help our students succeed:

- Mrs. Breeann Gibbons: Thank you for your continuous support and guidance in preparing our students for competitions.

We are grateful for the time and effort our staff members invest in DECA, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to empower our students to reach their full potential.

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Join DECA and become part of a dynamic community that prepares you for success in college and your future career. Here's how you can get involved:

- **Who Can Join:** DECA is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in exploring careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

- **Membership Benefits:** As a DECA member, you'll have the opportunity to participate in competitions, attend leadership conferences, network with industry professionals, and develop essential skills that will set you apart.

- **How to Join:** To become a member, fill out the DECA membership form available on our school website or contact our DECA advisor at gharkness@codca.org for more information.

- **Meeting Times:** We meet every TBD at TBD in TBD. Join us for our next meeting to learn more about what DECA has to offer!

Follow Us

Stay connected with CODCA DECA and never miss an update! Follow us on social media and reach out if you have any questions:

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decainc

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decainc/

- Twitter: https://x.com/decainc

For any questions or more information, feel free to contact us at:

- Email: gharkness@codca.org

- Phone: 719-425-9501

Join us in making this year the most impactful yet. We can't wait to see what you'll accomplish with DECA!

### August

- **12-23:** Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Fall Survey

### September

- **9:** Stock Market Game Begins

- **15:** District-Level Instructional Areas Announced

- **30:** Activate Your Chapter Incentive Deadline

- **30-10/4:** School-based Enterprise Week

### October

- **1:** Virtual Business Challenge Registration Begins

- **11-13:** MBA Research Conclave, Columbus, OH

- **15:** The Ultimate DECA Power Trip Registration Due

- **15-25:** Virtual Business Challenge Round 1

- **15:** Initial Membership Dues Deadline

### November

- **7-9:** Western Region Leadership Conference, Bellevue, WA

- **15-17:** The Ultimate DECA Power Trip, Charlotte, NC

- **18-24:** Global Entrepreneurship Week

### December

- **1:** Honorary Life Membership + Outstanding Service Award Nominations Due

- **10:** Student Scholarship Applications Due

- **14:** School-based Enterprise Certification Due

- **14-24:** Virtual Business Challenge Round 2

- **20:** Advisor Scholarship Applications Due

- **29-2/2:** Sports + Entertainment Marketing Conference, Orlando, FL

### January

- **3:** Emerging Leader Honor Award Applications Open

- **13-3/27:** Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Spring Survey

- **15:** ICDC Competitors’ Final Membership Eligibility

### February

- **3:** Advocacy Campaign Due

- **3:** Executive Officer Candidate Applications Due

- **19:** ICDC Registration + Hotel Rooming List/Deposit Due From Chartered Associations

- **27:** ICDC-Qualifying Written Entry Submissions Open

- **28:** ICDC Blazer Order Deadline

- **31:** Emerging Leader Honor Award Nominations Due

### March

- **1:** Honorary Life Membership + Outstanding Service Award Application Packets Due

- **2:** DECA Chapter Campaigns + Membership Campaign Due

- **2:** Sports + Entertainment Marketing Conference Registration Due

- **2:** School-based Enterprise Certification Opens

- **4-7:** ACTE CareerTech Vision, San Antonio, TX

- **6:** Stock Market Game Ends

### April

- **8:** ICDC-Qualifying Written Entry Submissions Due

- **26-29:** DECA International Career Development Conference, Orlando, FL

These events cover various competitions, conferences, deadlines, and opportunities for DECA members to engage and advance in their leadership and career development activities. For the most up-to-date information, you can visit [deca.org/calendar](https://deca.org/calendar).