THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Powering the Future: Volunteering at DECA ICDC 2026 in Atlanta
This April, 25,000 high school students will travel to Atlanta to compete among the best for the coveted DECA Glass at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. Hands on Atlanta is looking for professionals to volunteer as judges for competitive events to decide who becomes a 2026 DECA ICDC champion.
Volunteering at DECA ICDC 2026 in Atlanta
This April, 25,000 high school students will travel to Atlanta to compete among the best for the coveted DECA Glass at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. Hands on Atlanta is looking for professionals to volunteer as judges for competitive events to decide who becomes a 2026 DECA ICDC champion.
What is DECA ICDC?
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA ICDC is the culmination of the DECA year, where members compete, network and grow as leaders.
Each year, members participate in DECA’s competitive events program, advancing from district to state to ICDC. With 60 events, members can choose to compete in role-plays, prepared events, or online simulations that directly tie into DECA’s career clusters.
For many students, ICDC is the highlight of their high school experience and where they discover their future path.
“Anyone who’s competed at ICDC can tell you that they’ve grown in some shape or another. For me, competing at ICDC strengthened my confidence, industry knowledge, and professionalism. None of which would’ve been possible without our judges. Judges allowed me to feel ready to take on any challenge presented to me. With quality feedback and meaningful questions, I feel more prepared now for college and my future career in travel and tourism.””
The Role of Hands on Atlanta
1,000 volunteers are needed to make DECA ICDC an unforgettable experience for DECA members. Volunteering as a competitive events judge is a unique opportunity to make an impact on both the lives of high school students and your own.
When volunteers show up, they help create an environment where high school members can learn, grow and thrive. We invite you to be part of that environment.
“ICDC pushed me far beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to grow. I learned so much, laughed even more, and shared an unforgettable experience with friends I’m so grateful for!”
Volunteer Logistics
As a competitive events judge, you’ll sit across from future members as they present their role-plays and prepared event findings.
No DECA experience is needed to serve as a volunteer judge, and volunteers will receive on-site training, breakfast, lunch, free parking, and a gift for their time.
DECA ICDC Competitive Events Judge
April 26th, 27th and 28th | One day opportunities are available
Georgia World Congress Center | 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Make a Difference with DECA
DECA is a nonprofit student association that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, and they will be hosting their annual International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta in April. DECA is bringing 20,000 high school students to Atlanta for the event, and they need more than 1,000 VOLUNTEERS to participate as judges for career-related competitive events at the Georgia World Congress Center on April 24 and/or 25.
DECA, a nonprofit student association that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, is bringing 20,000 high school students to the Georgia World Congress Center on April 24-25, 2022 for their annual International Career Development Conference.
Over 1,000 (yes, 1,000!) volunteers are needed to participate as judges for career-related, competitive events. Some perks for volunteering as a judge include free parking, on-site training, breakfast and lunch.
3 reasons TO BE A VOLUNTEER JUDGE:
1. Feel inspired
Witness the business world through a different lens and gain a fresh perspective while listening to student presentations and engaging in role play opportunities. Students will bring a sense of enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism that is bound to impress.
2. Cultivate the future
The International Career Development Conference is the culmination of an entire year of the hard work, preparation and dedication by students and competitors internationally. Empower these youth and help develop the future workforce! Your insight, feedback and time is integral in propelling high school students beyond the classroom and getting them ready to take on the world.
3. Make an impact
When you do good, you feel good. Volunteering will not only boost your morale and sense of purpose but will do the same for high school students. There’s no stage, no awards, no pinnacle achievement without you, the judge. Your service is crucial to the success of emerging leaders and makes a tangible change in a student’s life.
If you're looking for a unique way to support education or if you're a professional looking to share your expertise with the next generation, this is the volunteer opportunity for you!
“Our judges are the final obstacle a DECA member must overcome before earning the coveted DECA Glass. Without judges acting in the role that they do, our members would not be able to gauge their growth as a speaker, competitor or leader. The impact a judge makes in the development of the next generation of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs is monumental. The business model of this organization relies on quality, professional individuals to act as judges to provide them with feedback, skills, and tools they can use to change the world.” ”
Please email volunteer@deca.org for more information.