Cat’s Corner, a school-based enterprise operated by DECA students at Whitewater High, has been Gold-Certified by DECA.

The store is one of only 26 in Georgia and 391 in the nation to receive Gold Certification for 2018, the highest level of certification that is given. This marks the fourth time Cat’s Corner has been Gold Certified, the store earned the certification in 2010, 2011 and 2016.

A SBE is an entrepreneurial operation in a school setting that provides goods/services to meet the needs of the market. SBEs are managed and operated by students as hands-on learning laboratories that integrate National Curriculum Standards in marketing, finance, hospitality or management. Marketing educators and DECA advisors have utilized this effective educational tool for over four decades to provide their students with realistic and practical learning experiences that reinforce classroom instruction, enhance 21st century skill development, and prepare students for college and careers.

DECA’s School-based Enterprise Certification Program was developed to provide recognition for outstanding achievement by school-based enterprises and to motivate SBEs to strive for excellence and growth. SBEs can be certified at three levels: Bronze, Silver or Gold.

In order to apply for the certification, SBEs must submit extensive documentation that demonstrates their adherence to various marketing and retail standards. After the documentation is submitted, a review committee evaluates the documentation to determine which level of certification has been achieved. Earning gold certification opens the door to other opportunities available through DECA including the SBE Academy and competition at DECA’s International Career Development Conference.