All Recent Articles

Filter by division:

Chapter Strategy

Leveraging the DECA Brand to Make a Community Impact

May 22, 2026

By following three key steps, chapters can turn simple connections into lasting impact, transforming participation into true community influence. Community involvement is just the beginning of DECA success.

Spotlights

First Place Wasn’t The Best Thing I Got From DECA

May 19, 2026

From making states to earning first place in PMFL and placing top 20 at ICDC, DECA gave me confidence, leadership skills, unforgettable friendships and lessons that will continue to shape my future long after I graduate.

Partners

16 Personal Finance Terms Everyone Should Know

May 18, 2026

Learning the language of personal finance is one of the most practical steps you can take toward feeling more in control of your money. This guide walks you through 16 essential terms, from everyday basics to more advanced concepts.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Tradeshow Planning

May 18, 2026

Step into the role of the owner of Splendid Foods, a business that produces varieties of protein bars, granola bars and other nutritious snacks. Your business partner has asked you to determine the marketing plan for a food industry trade show.

DECA News

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Marriott Foundation Curriculum Grant Recipients

May 13, 2026

Congratulations to the following chapters selected to receive the VBC–DECA Hotel Challenge Curriculum Grant provided by the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

DECA News

Apply Today for the Adobe x DECA Luminary 2026 Program

May 11, 2026

The DECA Luminary Program is an opportunity for exceptional chapter advisors who not only excel in their roles but also show strong potential to mentor fellow advisors within their chartered associations by leading professional learning experiences.

Partners

Download Your American Marketing Association (AMA) Associate in Marketing Management Certificate Now

May 11, 2026

The AMA Associate in Marketing Management Certificate validates the marketing skills DECA students possess, signaling to colleges and employers that they’re prepared for what’s next. Learn how to gain access.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Destination Skillcation

May 11, 2026

Step into the role of the marketing consultant hired by Bird Investigate, a company that offers bird-watching and bird-identifying tours. The owner of Bird Investigate wants you to rebrand the company.

Compete

Your Guide to Understanding DECA ICDC's Competitive Event Process and Performance Reports

May 8, 2026

If you're looking for more information on DECA's International Career Development Conference competitive events process and performance reports, look no further! Explore these frequently asked questions and answers.

Conferences

Download ICDC 2026 Certificates and Competitor Performance Reports

May 8, 2026

Learn how to download certificates and competitive event performance reports from DECA's 2026 Collegiate and High School International Career Development Conferences.

Chapter Strategy

Register Now for the APSI + DECA Toolkit Webinar Hosted by College Board

May 7, 2026

DECA advisors have been asking about the AP/DECA “toolkit” that advisors will be able to access, not just to prepare students for the AP Exam in the Spring of 2027, but also to better prepare them for DECA competitive events.

Conferences

The 5 Messages Every DECA Member Should Send After a Conference

May 7, 2026

Sending thoughtful messages after a conference can turn brief conversations into lasting friendships, collaborations or professional relationships. Taking the time to send these messages strengthens your network and makes the most of the connections.

Chapter Strategy

From Idea to CDECA ICDC: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Collegiate DECA Chapter

Jul 1, 2025

Starting a Collegiate DECA chapter might seem a lot at first, but with the right plan and the right team, it’ll become an exciting and rewarding journey. You’ll get to lead, compete, grow and build a legacy brand on your campus.

College Success

Balancing College and Collegiate DECA: Tips for Success

Jul 1, 2025

Being a Collegiate DECA member means pushing yourself to be a leader in and out of the classroom. Whether you’re juggling classes, jobs or leadership roles, staying on track takes strategy. Here are four key ways to balance both and thrive.

College Success

Excelling During Freshman Year

Jul 1, 2025

Your first year in college will be very different from anything you’ve experienced before, so make sure to enjoy your time and make the most of it. This article gives you some helpful tips for a successful first year of college.

Conferences

2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference Keynote Speaker & Sessions

Jun 17, 2025

DECA is excited to share a look at the 2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference keynote speaker and sessions. Join us on July 23-24 for two days filled with content focusing on instructional content that connects DECA to the classroom.

Spotlights

Leading with Pride: Empowering LGBTQ+ DECA Members

Jun 12, 2025

Pride Month is a chance to reflect on our progress and the work we still need to do. Whether someone is just joining DECA or stepping into a leadership role, they deserve to see that there’s a path forward for them, just as they are.

DECA News

DECA Hosts Luminary Program Powered by Adobe in San Francisco

Jun 11, 2025

This elite professional development experience brings together distinguished DECA chapter advisors from across the DECA network to deepen their leadership, instructional, and digital skills in a unique “train-the-trainer” format.

Compete

How your DECA Judge Thinks like a Shark Tank Investor

Jun 4, 2025

DECA judges use mental shortcuts just like investors. Learn how to craft your pitch to match their mindset and make your project more memorable.

Chapter Strategy

Making the Most of Summer: Community Service Ideas for Collegiate DECA Members

Jun 1, 2025

Whether interning, working a summer job or enjoying a lighter class schedule, community service helps you stay connected to DECA’s mission of preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Career Insights

The College Student’s Guide to LinkedIn

Jun 1, 2025

Let's be real, college is stressful enough without having the added stress of thinking about your future career. Here are five fun and practical ways to start using LinkedIn today to better your chances at landing your dream career.

Chapter Strategy

The Goal of Goals

Jun 1, 2025

Summer is a great time for college students to relax after the busy school year and difficult finals. It is also the perfect time to evaluate progress on your goals and start planning for the future.

College Success

Navigating the Summer Before College

Jun 1, 2025

The summer before college is a unique and often overlooked chapter in the story of your academic journey. It’s a season that offers more than rest – it’s an opportunity to intentionally prepare, reflect and reset.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Redesigning All-Star Weekend

May 26, 2025

Step into the role of the director of public relations for the NBA. The senior vice president wants you to redesign the NBA All-Star weekend to create fan interest and increase return-on-investment for sponsors.