DECA is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. This funding will help expand access for students across the metro Washington, D.C., area to career exploration workshops, executive mentoring, and job and college readiness experiences.
Through support from DECA’s network of business, industry, and education partners, these programs will offer students real-world insights and critical skills to thrive in college and the workforce.
“This grant empowers us to create impactful opportunities for DECA students to connect with a diverse range of business leaders and gain critical exposure that helps them prepare for college and future careers,” said Sarah Cozewith, Chief Partnership Officer. ‘We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.’”
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and team members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.
DECA was nominated for the grant by the local Summerwood Taco Bell franchise, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship and career readiness programs across the community.
“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”
Through this grant, DECA will be able to extend hundreds of students’ classroom learning through exposure to myriad career and college exploration community experiences, designed to further prepare them with professional skills, education and industry knowledge to be successful.
To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support.
