Articles from
DECA Direct Online Contributor

From the Soccer Field to the DECA Stage: Starting the Kingwood High School Chapter
From chasing Division 1 dreams on the soccer field to building one of Texas's fastest-growing DECA chapters, I discovered that true leadership is about more than wins. It's about finding your voice, creating community and inspiring others to rise.

Building and Leading a Strong Officer Team
Building a strong DECA officer team takes effort, but it can make all the difference in a chapter's success. Explore the values that build a strong chapter officer team!

Stepping Into DECA: Lessons From My First Year
Are you a student who's new to DECA? If so, here's my advice from someone who was once in your shoes.

Racing into the School Year: East Paulding DECA's Membership Recruitment Campaign and Tactics
At East Paulding DECA, we were pleasantly challenged when the national DECA "Go the Extra" theme was released. After much thought and discussion, we happily chose a thrilling race car theme for our school's campaign.

Mastering Money: Why Finance Events Are Essential for DECA Members
Finance events help DECA members build real-world money management and consulting skills. From budgeting and investments to teamwork and client communication, this cluster prepares students for success both in and out of the competition setting.

From Small Chapter to Big Impact
Learn how to grow your small chapter while building strong connections, creating meaningful opportunities and turning your size into your greatest advantage!

How to Host the Ultimate First DECA Meeting: Engage, Excite, Enroll
Your first DECA meeting sets the tone for the year. Start with energy, make leadership personal and get everyone moving. When members feel connected and excited from day one, they'll want to stick around.

Behind the Booth: How to Run an Impactful DECA Recruitment Table
Your DECA recruitment booth is your chapter's initial impression. Learn how to develop a captivating booth, tell your story authentically and turn interest into enrollment. This guide contains the essentials of what exactly works to get prospects to pause, listen and sign up.

Prepping for a Record Year: Building Your Chapter’s Calendar with Purpose
If you want to lead your chapter to a record year, you need a calendar that covers competitions, community service, social events and everything in between. Here's how to build one that works.

How to Track Your Chapter’s Summer Goals Like a Pro
Summer is the perfect time to build momentum for your DECA chapter. Start small, stay organized, check in often and keep your purpose in focus to turn summer goals into real success when school starts.

Ingredients of Successful Chapter Leadership
Successful management for DECA depends on teamwork, roles, motivation, communication, flexibility, planning and leadership. These are the recipes for a successful team that can do incredible things and learn together.

How your DECA Judge Thinks like a Shark Tank Investor
DECA judges use mental shortcuts just like investors. Learn how to craft your pitch to match their mindset and make your project more memorable.