District Expands its DECA Program by Tapping Local Industry Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbus, Ohio – April 27, 2021 – Olentangy Local School District has expanded its DECA program to bring more successful real-life CEO experiences into the classroom. The Olentangy District has developed a partnership with Ross Innovations LLC founder and CEO, Gary Ross, to build onto the success they have already achieved with their DECA program. DECA, formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that helps prepare high school and college students as emerging leaders for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Mark Raiff, Superintendent of Olentangy Local Schools says, “The continued growth and success of the DECA program, and the high-quality work that Gary has achieved in working with the DECA teams at Olentangy Berlin High School, tells us that students are gaining valuable support from the concepts in Gary’s book, his new workshop format, and his overall enthusiastic approach with our staff and students.”

Mr. Ross is CEO and author of a book called The Growth Cube. Over the past 3 years, the school district has acquired copies of the business growth books for their DECA students and Mr. Ross provides support during the course. The Growth Cube highlights 6 key dimensions to unlocking the growth potential of a business. The concepts relate to startups or established businesses, and also focus on building the local high school store, which provides promotional items to students, their parents, and the community – and builds up funds for the school and DECA.

Another benefit of the model developed jointly by Mr. Ross and DECA Advisors is that the experience gives the students an opportunity to work directly with a small business and startup CEO. They are getting real life situations and valuable discussions talking directly with a successful CEO and author as part of the course. Mr. Ross also helps the students prepare for DECA state competitions where he has been a state judge.

Michael Weaver, Olentangy Berlin High School Marketing Instructor and DECA Advisor, says “Gary has worked extremely well with the students and the staff. His knowledge and enthusiasm for our school and our students is impactful. Also, as a capstone project, I put the students into teams and summarize their findings and give presentations to the class to share their ideas and takeaways from the book. The 14 different study workshops have been game-changers for the class.”

To learn more, contact Gary Ross directly at [email protected].

Want more ideas? Check out Gary's articles, join Gary's private mailing list, or order Gary's book, The Growth Cube (now available in audio in Gary's own voice).