DECA students earn accolades for school-based enterprise

JOPLIN, Mo. – DECA students at Joplin High School and Franklin Technology Center who operate the in-school JoJoe’s Coffee Shop have been awarded Gold-Level Certification for operating a school-based enterprise.

Gold-Level Certification was awarded after students submitted an application including details about all procedures, training, financials, and marketing efforts of JoJoe’s Coffee Shop. Out of 461 schools receiving the award this year, only 11 were awarded in the state of Missouri.

The FTC Joplin DECA members who contributed to the certification were Taylor Colson, Andalynn Gaston, and Colton Green with the assistance of their DECA chapter advisors, Lindsay DeWelt and Al Linden. The SBE at Franklin Tech within Joplin High School has operated for 9 years.

Senior DECA President, Taylor Colson, was an integral part of this project. She said, “It means a lot to me to have earned the gold certification for our coffee shop because we work hard to keep operations running smoothly and providing the best hands-on experience for the business students who work there. It feels amazing to have that recognized at the national level. Being in DECA and working in the coffee shop has enhanced my customer service skills with students, faculty, and staff. It has also increased my business acumen by helping me understand the ins and outs of business operations.”

JoJoe’s Coffee Shop provides practical, hands-on learning experiences that reinforce classroom instruction in the business/marketing department. Instructor Lindsay DeWelt says JHS student members of DECA or FBLA work at the shop to help fund competition fees.

Students in Marketing II, Retailing or Business Leadership courses are also eligible to staff the shop.

“Being involved in JoJoe’s Coffee Shop gives students a chance to “learn valuable soft skills employers are asking us to develop,” said DeWelt. “They take ownership of the shop by creating drink specials that will be popular at JHS, designing a menu to maximize sales, and ensuring we obtain the ROI needed to pay for DECA and FBLA competitions. I am excited the students are receiving recognition for their understanding of business operations concepts and strategies.

Receiving the highest level of certification for an SBE really validates the coffee shop as a
teaching tool.”