Foundation News

Welcome to Georgia DECA Foundation News

As we begin the new school year, Georgia DECA Advisors can reach out to respective local Georgia Community Bankers to become involved in classroom activities, mentor students in project preparations, and judge regional and state competitions. Advisors will ask bankers to join their Advisory Council and educate students about banking career opportunities bybankers speaking to classes and by periodic student field trips to the banks to review operations. Thank you to the Community Bankers Association of Georgia and their Leadership Council for spearheading this fantastic opportunity.

The Marriott Corporation has initiated a pilot Work Based Learning (WBL) program for Georgia DECA students at two of its Atlanta properties, the Stone Mountain Hotel and Resort and the Waverly Renaissance Hotel. Students are being hired to work part of their school days at each property to learn about operations, and future employment careers with Marriott. Advisors will place Marriott employees on their Advisory Councils and involve them in classroom activities. Non-WBL students will have access to these employees while making periodic field trips to the respective properties as guests of the General Managers and Human Relations Directors. Thank you to the Marriott Foundation for selecting and giving Georgia DECA students this opportunity. Both programs are a Win-Win for all. We are excited about these projects and invite more participation in like programs.

The Georgia DECA Foundation has lent its support to the SAE Institute of Atlanta and their Financial Literacy and Youth Entrepreneur Program. This effort is meant to reinforce the fact that today’s high school students are a valuable resource for employers in the film and entertainment industries. We hope to raise the awareness of the Georgia DECA curriculum and its mission to prepare students for future college, career, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Many employers have not recognized the value of creating and associating career-oriented programs with technical career organizations which exist in several high schools across Georgia. This pilot program will hopefully encourage Georgia DECA Partnerships and Foundation donations as we connect with other SAE Partners in the future.

Georgia DECA student recognition was at its highest during the DECA International Career and Development Conference recently held here in Atlanta. Over 19300 attended with the Georgia contingent numbering 775. The student competitions saw 491 Georgia students competing in 60 events, with 7 winning First Place, 32 finishing as Top 10 finalists, 6 receiving national Corporate scholarships, and 342 receiving Certificates of Excellence for exceeding 70% grades on their combined tests, role plays and/or presentations. Thank you to the over 900 business volunteers who judged student presentations, a huge thank you to all our supporters for the support and assistance, and congratulations Georgia DECA on your best-ever school year.

Congratulations to Georgia DECA Executive Director Shannon Aaron and family on the birth of their second daughter plus Shannon was recently elected to International DECA’S Board of Directors.

Until next time !!!