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2026–2027 High School Division Executive Officer Team Program of Leadership
Throughout the year, your Executive Officer Team is committed to helping members step into their Next Big Thing by empowering leaders, advancing career development and increasing collaboration with DECA's corporate partners.
Handling the Hustle: How DECA Members Can Manage Stress and a Million Different Activities
As you step into your next school year, maybe even your last, make sure you don’t get so overwhelmed that you miss the present. Check out this list of the best, most positive ways to relieve stress and better balance all of your responsibilities.
Success Starts Before the First Bell
Your success starts long before the bell even rings, with the choices you make, the habits you build and the attitude you bring into every opportunity. There are three ways to set yourself up for success before the school year begins.
Crushing Competition Day: A Morning Checklist to Pave the Way for Success
While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed the morning of your competition, these four, tried-and-true tips will set you up for success no matter how you're feeling about your event.
Stay Ahead This Fall with the Encourage Preference Form Timeline
To help chapters know what to expect, Encourage has shared key dates for the 2026–2027 preference form timeline to help advisors proactively communicate with members, answer questions and maximize participation throughout the fall.
Unpacking Teen Trends: Fall 2026 Taking Stock with Teens Survey
The 2026 Fall Piper Sandler Taking Stock With Teens Survey is now available for use in your classroom!
West Valley DECA Receives $5,000 Grant from Explore.Act.Tell
Since 2022, West Valley DECA has played an integral role in helping families in need within its school district by hosting donation drives at local grocery stores to support the Ram Landing program.
DECA Announces New Premier Partner Program + Inaugural Members
The DECA Premier Partner Program offers a meaningful way for organizations to connect, be visible, and actively engage with DECA’s network of high school and collegiate student members and advisors.
Make Your Chapter the Next Big Thing with New Back-to-School Resources
We are excited to deliver all the resources you need to showcase “This Is How We Do DECA” in one branded box! This is your all-in-one kit to start the school year.
Apply to Join the 2026-2027 DECA Content Creators
The 2026-27 DECA Content Creators will help increase the DECA brand by showcasing their unique DECA experience. Content creators gain exclusive access to insider information while working to increase DECA's digital presence.
The Surprising Benefits of Volunteering
Can something as simple as talking to strangers about marine life really change who you are? During my year and a half as a Teen Ambassador at the Mississippi Aquarium, I found out that it really can.
From Vision to Victory: How SMART Goals Transform a DECA Chapter
At the start of every year, DECA chapters set goals. Whether it's recruiting new members, increasing competition participation or improving chapter engagement, success begins with a clear plan. That's where SMART goals come in.
Summer and Competition Preperation is in Session
Whether this upcoming school year is the first time you are competing in Collegiate DECA or not, there is no better time than now to start taking the first steps.
A Leader’s Checklist for Preparing for a New School Year
For chapter and association leaders, this time of year is especially important. The work you do before classes begin can set the tone for your entire year, helping your team stay organized, engaged and ready to succeed.
5 Ways to Lead Outside of DECA
While DECA has helped shape me as a leader, some of my biggest leadership lessons have come from experiences outside of DECA. Whether it's at school, work, or in your community, there are opportunities to lead everywhere.
Be a Founder: 6 Steps to Bring Collegiate DECA to Your University
During my senior year of high school, I realized the college I was attending did not have a Collegiate DECA chapter. This made me realize that I had the opportunity to create something that would benefit students for years to come.
Simple Ways to Balance Work, Life and DECA
Balance does not mean doing everything perfectly. It means finding a routine that helps you stay organized, communicate clearly and take care of yourself.
Get to Know the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team
As the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officers gear up for an exciting year ahead, take a moment to learn more about the faces behind the blazers and the stories that brought them here.
How to Discover Your Next Big Thing
Your Next Big Thing starts with one step. Learn how DECA members can discover their goals, grow from challenges and use every opportunity to become stronger leaders and members.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Meet with Congressional Representatives
Meeting with your US Congressional Representative is one of the most effective ways to advocate for DECA. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you schedule a meeting with your representatives, share your experiences, and follow up.
What Collegiate DECA Has Taught Me About Networking
Before DECA, I used to think networking meant adding random people on LinkedIn. But over the last few years, I’ve learned that networking is much more than that. Here are 5 things that DECA has taught me about networking.
Goal Setting for Your Collegiate DECA Chapter
Before diving headfirst into working towards accomplishing your chapter's goals, here are a few important steps each chapter should take when setting goals.
Building Your Brand for Future Success
No matter the setting, your personal brand can influence future opportunities. Discover the building blocks you can establish to ensure a successful brand, especially whenever it comes to being the NEXT BIG THING.
How to Make the Most of Your Summer Internship
Whether you are exploring a new industry, building connections, gaining experience or aiming for a post-graduation job offer, internships are the perfect opportunity to learn more about yourself and your future career goals.
