AT&T PROJECT
2024-2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE: A STORIED YEAR
The 2024–2025 school year marked a milestone for the DECA AT&T Project—our most impactful year yet. We reached a record number of students and AT&T employees, and hosted more events than ever before in the program’s history. These accomplishments reflect more than just numbers; they represent meaningful moments of growth, learning, and connection.
Throughout the year, DECA members across the country gained valuable insights that will shape their future beyond high school. Whether students are preparing to enter the workforce or continue their education, AT&T mentors played a pivotal role in helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in any path they choose.
DECA and its members are deeply grateful to AT&T for their continued commitment to supporting local communities. As one student from Paul Duke STEM High School in Georgia shared, “Being mentored by AT&T has taught me how to become a better mentor myself, as I’m becoming someone people in my community can look up to.”
We look forward to continuing this powerful cycle of mentorship, empowerment, and impact in the years ahead as we change the narrative.
CHAPTERS OF CHANGE
Forty-five high schools from 23 states across the country were selected to participate in the DECA AT&T Project during the 2024–2025 school year. Schools were chosen based on the following criteria:
• The student population matches the AT&T Believe in Education target audience.
• Local DECA chapter advisors and school administration support the program’s goals and responsibilities.
• State DECA advisor support for program goals and responsibilities.
• Proximity to AT&T offices and/or volunteer interest.
Prairie Grove HS, Fayetteville, AR
Robinson HS, Little Rock, AR
Elizabeth Learning Center, Los Angeles, CA
Carson HS, CA, CA
Smoky Hill HS, Denver, CO
Southwest Miami Senior HS, Miami, FL
Campbell HS, Smyrna, GA
Norcross HS, Norcross, GA
Paul Duke STEM HS, Norcross, GA
Tri-Cities HS, East Point, GA
Southeast Polk HS, Pleasant Hill, IA
East Aurora HS, Aurora, IL
Streamwood HS, Streamwood, IL
Ben Davis HS, Indianapolis, IN
Perry Meridian HS, Indianapolis, IN
Pleasure Ridge Park HS, Louisville, KY
Broadmoor HS, Baton Rouge, LA
Madison Park Technical Vocational HS, Boston, MA
Hazelwood East HS, St. Louis, MO
Pattonville HS, St. Louis, MO
Riverview Gardens HS, St. Louis, MO
Gulfport HS, Gulfport, MS
Pisgah HS, Canton, NC
South Brunswick HS, Wilmington, NC
Spring Creek HS, Seven Springs, NC
Highland Park HS, Highland Park, NJ
Austintown Fitch HS, Austintown, OH
North HS, Akron, OH
Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, Schnecksville, PA
Northeast HS, Philadelphia, PA
Eastside HS, Greenville, SC
East HS, Memphis, TN
Bryan Adams HS, Dallas, TX
Deer Park HS, Houston, TX
Harmony School of Innovation, Fort Worth, TX
Newman Smith HS, Carrollton, TX
Richardson HS, Richardson, TX
South Oak Cliff HS, Dallas, TX
South Houston HS, Houston, TX
Sunset HS, Dallas, TX
Townview Center, Dallas, TX
Taylorsville HS, Taylorsville, UT
Mount Rainier HS, Des Moines, WA
Renton HS, Renton, WA
Greenfield HS, Greenfield, WI
THE NARRATIVE IN NUMBERS
The DECA AT&T Project exceeded all expectations during the 2024-2025 school year—hosting 159 events, impacting 5,319 students, and engaging over 500 AT&T employee mentors. Of these students, 637 participated episodically by attending DECA conferences at the local, state, and international levels. Meanwhile, 4,682 students were part of the traditional DECA AT&T Project cohort, receiving ongoing mentorship throughout the year.
Let’s take a closer look at the students in the traditional program and how these mentorship experiences have shaped their character and personal development.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:
Over two-thirds believed the project:
Helped them connect classroom learning to their future career goals.
Improved their communication, problemsolving, and teamwork skills.
Over one-half reported that the project:
Boosted their self-confidence and strengthened their presentation skills.
Enhanced their project management, time management, and leadership skills.
Deepened their understanding of the value of community service.
CHARACTER PROFILES:
Self-reported Minority Population Received Free or Reduced Meals First Generation College Bound 78% 73% 43%
STORIES OF US
This school year has been filled with powerful stories that highlight the impact of mentorship. These quotes are more than just words on a page— they represent moments of confidence gained, goals discovered, and futures set in motion. With a total of 159 events held throughout the year, students across the country had countless opportunities to connect, grow, and be inspired.
STUDENT SUCCESS
This year has been one for the books, filled with moments that define personal and collective growth. One student from Southwest Miami High School shared how her DECA journey, from joining her chapter to winning first place at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC), became an unforgettable chapter in her own story.
“DECA has been a life-changing experience, even in the short time I’ve been part of my chapter. I had an incredible time attending ICDC and working on my project. The moment I stood on that stage holding my DECA glass for first place is something I’ll never forget.”
■ DECA Member, Southwest Miami High School, FL
IN PURSUIT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Strong project management skills are essential in any career. We’re grateful to the AT&T employees from the Project Management Network who dedicated their time this year to mentoring students in Akron, Ohio, and Memphis, Tennessee. Throughout the school year, these students planned and executed meaningful community service projects, giving back to their communities while receiving expert guidance and sharpening their project management abilities.
“After three years in DECA, I gained valuable insight into different career fields, which helped me figure out what I want to study in college. Beyond career exploration, DECA also gave me incredible experiences; one of the most memorable being the project management presentation. With the guidance of AT&T mentors, we made a positive impact on our community and gained firsthand experience working collaboratively on a professional-level project.”
■ DECA Member, North High School, OH
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
The Ultimate DECA Power Trip is an annual conference that helps students grow professionally through teamwork, creativity, and ethical leadership. With support from AT&T, 31 students from five DECA chapters had the opportunity to attend. They gained a wide range of skills, but more importantly, the lessons they took away will last a lifetime.
“During my time at the Power Trip, I learned a variety of skills that will help me in my future plans. I was taught everything from tips on hotel management to how to run a business’s social media. No matter what career I decide to go into, the classes I participated in and the strategies I learned on the Power Trip will benefit many aspects of my life after high school.”
■ DECA Member, Pisgah High School, NC
WORKPLACE LEARNING
Every fall, HACEMOS chapters, AT&T’s Hispanic and Latino employee group, host High Tech Day events nationwide to help bridge the digital divide and introduce high school students to the wide range of careers in STEM. This year, a record number of DECA students took part. Whether they attended in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, or Philadelphia, each student had the opportunity to explore the everevolving world of technology through the guidance and support of dedicated mentors.
“High Tech Day was a fun, innovative, and engaging experience to learn more about career opportunities in STEM and business from the AT&T HACEMOS mentors. I enjoyed the interactive activities and representation given to younger people in minority communities, inspiring them to become successful adults.”
■ DECA Member, Sunset High School, TX
SKILLS FOR LIFE
AT&T mentors from Field Operations are helping students across the country prepare for life after high school by sharing valuable advice and real-world experience. By supporting the development of essential life and professional skills, they’re creating meaningful teachable moments and sparking conversations about the many paths to a successful career, encouraging students to explore their passions and plan for what’s next.
“My AT&T mentors helped me connect my DECA experiences to life beyond high school. They taught me what employers look for during the hiring process and how to stand out. Thanks to their guidance, I’ve learned to manage my time more effectively and have begun shaping a plan for my future.”
■ DECA Member, Eastside High School, SC
MEANINGFUL MENTORSHIP
Sometimes a mentor comes along with a unique ability to truly connect with students. Chase DeBard, an AT&T employee and DECA mentor from Pennsylvania, began working with students from Northeast High School virtually, and quickly became a student favorite. Inspired by the connection he built, Chase continued his mentorship in person, visiting the school to engage directly with students and offer hands-on guidance. Later, he brought that same passion to ICDC, where he served as both a judge and a speaker. His impact did not go unnoticed.
“It began with screens bridging the distance—virtual mentoring opening doors to new possibilities. Then came the visits to AT&T, where innovation became tangible. But the true spark? When Chase DeBard walked into our school, turning inspiration into real connection. From pixels to handshakes, dreams became plans, and students saw just how close their future really is.”
■ Alexis McNear, DECA Advisor, Northeast High School, PA
CREDITING OUR COLLABORATOR
This year at ICDC, before 25,000 attendees, AT&T was recognized for over a decade of impactful collaboration. As a longtime supporter of DECA, AT&T has helped shape the futures of thousands of students; however, the impact goes both ways. Trish Rosito, a member of the AT&T team who accepted the award, shared:
“Hearing these remarkable young individuals share their stories and how DECA has impacted their lives brought tears to my eyes,and to many of my peers as well. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me for a very long time, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it. I’m honored to work for a company that has partnered with DECA for so many years and made that partnership part of its culture. AT&T has helped me build a lifelong relationship with DECA.”
■ Patrecia Rosito, Associate Director of Technology and President, Project Management Network, AT&T
AT&T ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, AT&T mentors went above and beyond, generously sharing their time, insights, and personal stories to support and inspire students. Their dedication not only made it a storied year, but also left a lasting impact on everyone involved. On behalf of all stakeholders in the DECA AT&T Project, we extend our deepest thanks and sincere appreciation to AT&T.
“AT&T’s mentorship and financial support for DECA chapters plays a transformative role in leveling the playing field for students who may not otherwise have access to career development opportunities. AT&T mentors provide real-world insights, career guidance, and critical soft skills assistance. These relationships not only build confidence but also help students envision tangible career paths in industries like business, technology, and communications. For many of our members, this mentorship is their first exposure to corporate environments, making it a pivotal experience that shapes their future goals and ambitions. The monetary support AT&T provides ensures that students from underrepresented communities can fully engage in DECA’s career-preparation opportunities, competing on equal footing with their peers, earning industryrecognized credentials, and showcasing their talents on local, state, and national stages. Thank you AT&T!”
■ Lori Hairston, Chartered Association Advisor, Washington DECA
“AT&T mentors provided my students with lessons and experiences they will never forget. Thank you to AT&T for giving my students the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of mentors who offered new perspectives and ways of thinking. This year, we had the opportunity to visit AT&T offices in Middletown, NJ, an incredible experience where students connected with industry professionals who were once in their shoes and showed them what’s possible for their future.”
■ Krista Chirco, DECA Advisor, Highland Park High School, NJ
“My AT&T mentors taught me that growth doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from asking the right questions and staying open to learning every step of the way. Being part of the DECA AT&T Project challenged me and showed me the power of collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, skills I’ll carry with me wherever I go.”
■ DECA Member, Riverview Gardens High School, MO
THE STORY CONTINUES
This past school year, DECA members were challenged to stand out and Be The One. Through the DECA AT&T Project, students rose to that challenge with the support and guidance of dedicated mentors. As we turn the page to the next chapter, we invite students to embrace our new theme: Go The Extra
This year, DECA encourages members not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them— going the extra step, the extra mile, and making every effort count. Together, we’ll continue to inspire and prepare students for a future filled with purpose and possibility.