75 Years of Impact: Since its founding in 1964, West Virginia DECA has touched the lives of over 30,000 students, educators, administrators, and business professionals. Our mission to provide high school students with business and leadership opportunities for success in school, careers, and life remains steadfast. As the business industry evolves, our commitment to shaping the future grows stronger. From a humble beginning with a dozen members, West Virginia DECA has flourished, addressing the rising need for critical skills in the ever-transforming business world.

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

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 member for college and career.
2. Applies Learning: Members put their knowledge into action through rigorous project based activities that require creative solutions with a practical outcome.
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 quipped 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.