More than 400 Missouri high school students have a chance to become international champions in problem-solving, real-world workplace events as they compete at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla., April 26-May 1.

Students earned the right to advance to the international competition by winning their events at the Missouri DECA State Career Development Conference in Kansas City in March and represent urban, suburban and rural high schools from virtually every region in the state. DECA’s industry-validated, competitive events are showcased within the career clusters of marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism.

“Missouri DECA students have shown again and again that they have the skills and drive to succeed in the careers they choose,” said Cindy Shannon, Missouri DECA state advisor.

Missouri's marketing and cooperative education students attain the skills necessary to succeed in today's global industry through a unique co-curricular philosophy that closely integrates classroom instruction and work-based experiences.

For more than 70 years, Missouri DECA has provided services to students enrolled in marketing and cooperative education programs throughout the state. DECA's comprehensive learning program integrates into classroom instruction, connects to business and promotes competition. DECA prepares the next generation to be academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible and experienced leaders.