At Meaford’s Georgian Bay Community School (GBCS), a group of secondary school students is working toward launching the school’s first-ever DECA chapter. The initiative aims to provide students with hands-on opportunities to develop leadership, business, and career-ready skills beyond the classroom.
DECA is an internationally recognized organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in business, finance, marketing, hospitality, and management. Through competitions, leadership conferences, networking opportunities, and entrepreneurial projects, students gain valuable real-world experience while building confidence in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Participation includes opportunities to compete by presenting solutions to realistic business case studies evaluated by industry professionals.
Momentum for the new chapter is already growing within the school community. Organizers are currently working toward securing the minimum of 10 student members required to officially launch the chapter for the upcoming school year.
Owen Dilts, Grade 10, and Colten Esteves, Grade 9, are helping lead student recruitment efforts and raise awareness about the opportunities DECA can offer students.
Supporting the initiative is Principal Kelly Wilkins, and teachers Josh Blair and Rachel Gillespie. Parent Janna Dilts is volunteering her time and expertise in Human Resources and Executive Coaching to lead workshops beginning this summer. The workshops are designed to mentor and prepare participating students ahead of the fall competition season.
The proposed chapter reflects GBCS’s commitment to experiential learning and student leadership development. Participation in DECA can also strengthen college, university, scholarship, and job applications by demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and community involvement.
Students interested in joining can look forward to opportunities for mentorship, travel, networking, community involvement, and personal growth throughout the school year.
With the anticipated launch of the DECA chapter, GBCS hopes to create a space where students can explore future careers, build confidence, and grow into the next generation of business and community leaders.
If you are interested in becoming involved as a student, volunteer professional, or sponsor, please complete the short interest form by scanning the below QR code. More information can also be found at deca.org
