All Recent Articles
Filter by division:
Take Your Community Service to the Next Level with Lead4Change
The Lead4Change Leadership programs offer numerous benefits for students. An independent research study found that participating in Lead4Change contributed to significant growth in areas such as leadership skills (60% of students improved), respect for others (54%) and ambition and innovation (53%). Teachers can have equally transformative experiences.
A Quick Guide to Understanding Servant Leadership
The concept of leadership has been around since the days of Aristotle and Plato and has evolved countless times throughout the centuries. But in 1970, a new theory emerged. Developed by Robert Greenleaf, servant leadership is the idea that empowered leaders serve their followers and to enable them to live and work to their full potential.
The Ethics of Leadership
Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's high-visibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.
DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership
A new school year brings new chances to elevate your leadership to the next level. Discover fresh ideas to enhance your chapter and become a leader worth following in your school, community and beyond.
The Next Level is Inclusion
It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership?
Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment
Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the socially-distant way with these top tips.
The Power of the Diamond
Throughout your DECA career, you’ll wear the blazer, throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?
Cultivate Your Chapter’s Culture
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost.
Discover Your DECA Leadership Style
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.
Influence with Informal Leadership
While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.
5 Tips for Your Freshman Year
Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember you're not alone! To help calm your nerves and ensure you start off on the right foot, follow these five tips for your freshman year.
DECA Members Raise $7,000 Through the MDA Muscle Corp Program
DECA members raised over $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer through the pilot MDA Muscle Corp Program. Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the program and earned 40 hours of community service.
Preparing for 2026 with Collegiate DECA
Winter Break is fast approaching, and you might be wondering, How can I stay involved with DECA? This article outlines the various opportunities available for you to stay engaged with our organization and prepare for the next semester.
Reflect, Reset, Rise: Takeaways from 2025
As the year ends, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on everything this season of DECA has taught us. 2025 wasn’t just a year of activity; it was a year of impact. Here are five big takeaways DECA members can carry into 2026 and beyond.
Going the Extra with Professional Membership
Looking for ways to grow your chapter and engage members in meaningful ways? Professional membership is the key to unlocking new opportunities.
Case Study of the Week: Choosing Merchandise For a New Demographic
Step into the role of the merchandising manager for Bright Ties, a women’s apparel retailer. The director of merchandising wants your help in planning merchandise assortment to appeal to a new demographic.
Case Study of the Week: The Importance of Inventory
Step into the role of a small business owner. You own Sticker Mania, an online company that sells unique stickers for both business and personal use. A new employee has asked you about the importance of your supplies and purchasing methods.
How to Become an Entrepreneur: 8 Actionable Steps
Learn how to become an entrepreneur and turn your innovative ideas into thriving businesses without needing substantial funds.
Get Recognized with a DECA Inc. Scholarship
We are thrilled to announce that DECA's scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open for submissions! This is your opportunity to receive financial support for your education while being recognized for your accomplishments.
Calling All Entrepreneurs: Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week
This November, Global Entrepreneurship Network will celebrate 18 years of helping millions of people unleash their ideas to start and scale new businesses through Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Case Study of the Week: Using Current Staff to Help Recruit New Staff
Step into the role of the director of human resources at the National Organization of Zoos and Aquariums (NOZA), a nonprofit organization that educates, promotes and advocates for local zoos and aquariums.
Helping Your DECA Members Avoid Penalty Points: A Guide for Advisors
As DECA advisors, one of our crucial roles is helping student members navigate the technical requirements of written events. Use this article to guide your student members in avoiding common penalty point deductions.
Case Study of the Week: Marketing a Cruise of the World
Step into the role of the marketing manager for Lantern Cruises, the largest cruise line brand by revenue. The director of marketing wants you to develop a marketing plan that will sell spots on the Platinum World Tour cruise.
Understanding AI Resume Checkers: What You Should Know
AI resume checks are becoming increasingly prevalent in the career preparation process. These platforms help users review, edit and optimize their resumes for clarity, keyword alignment and professional formatting.
