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Spotlights

DECA Duck Takes Flight at Smithville High School

Sep 24, 2025

Smithville High School’s DECA chapter has a new mascot, DECA Duck. What started as just a blue rubber ducky idea has become a school spirit sensation at DECA events and recruiting activities.

Chapter Strategy

IBM SkillsBuild to Launch 8-Part Webinar Series on AI for Educators

Sep 24, 2025

Starting September 25th, IBM SkillsBuild is launching an incredible 8-part webinar series designed specifically for educators ready to be enabled and become force multipliers.

College Success

Major Keys: Unlocking College Success with a DECA Mindset

Sep 23, 2025

Success doesn’t come from luck; it comes from preparation, strategy, mindset and staying true to yourself. For many, college feels like the biggest stage of their life. But in reality, it’s actually not all that different from being a DECA member.

Compete

Would Taylor Swift’s Marketing Score Well on a DECA Rubric?

Sep 23, 2025

Taylor Swift has clearly conquered the music industry, but what if she stepped into the world of DECA competition? Let’s look at how she would perform in each section of the Principles of Marketing Event.

Career Insights

This Week in Business: What High School Students Should Know

Sep 22, 2025

Business is constantly evolving. Keeping up with these changes is vital for DECA competitors and high school students and can also be the difference between competing in a role-play and winning one.

Chapter Strategy

The DECA Drop Premieres Episode 1: All Things DECA!

Sep 22, 2025

Your 2025–2026 Executive Officer Team saw how podcasts were taking off and wanted to give DECA members the same kind of experience: a place to pick up tips, hear updates and get to know our team!

Chapter Strategy

Everything You Need to Know for DECA SBE Week 2025

Sep 22, 2025

Each day of #DECASBEWeek has a social media theme unique to DECA’s school-based enterprise program. Be sure to participate by sharing photos or videos that correspond to the daily theme.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: How to Protect a Mobile Bank Account From Identity Theft

Sep 22, 2025

Step into the role of a financial advisor at First Bank. A customer wants to open a mobile banking account to pay more bills online but is worried about identity theft and has asked for your help.

Career Insights

Filling The GAP: The Secret Behind Katseye's Viral Marketing

Sep 18, 2025

GAP’s recent marketing project shows that authentic brand representation, positive customer connections and creative engagement can be the key to marketing magic. Here's what the campaign teaches us about successful marketing.

College Success

From Role-play to Resume: Elevating Your College Application with DECA

Sep 18, 2025

Standing out on college applications goes beyond attending a few DECA meetings; the leadership opportunities, scholarships, networking and real-world skills can give you the edge you need to make your resume shine.

Chapter Strategy

Go The Extra Classroom Photo Contest Winners

Sep 18, 2025

Over 100 advisors sent us their classroom photos featuring posters, plaques, awards, banners, the DECA Guide, and the 2025-26 DECA organizer.

Chapter Strategy

Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Logan Creekmur

Sep 18, 2025

DECA advisor Logan Creekmur is redefining member engagement through creative programming that blends community, connection, and career inspiration.

Leadership

Watch Now: Executive Mentor Roundtable on Next Level Leadership

Oct 1, 2020

Check out DECA’s Executive Mentor Roundtable on “Next Level Leadership." Four executives share how they have harnessed the power of leadership to impact others and offer advice on how you can take your leadership to the next level.

Leadership

3 Podcasts to Enrich Your Leadership and Life

Sep 29, 2020

Podcasts are a convenient way to learn more about becoming a better person and leader. Continue reading to discover three new podcasts to add to your collection that are guaranteed to provide insight on life, leadership and everything in between!

Chapter Strategy

Program of Leadership: Your Chapter's Master Plan

Sep 29, 2020

So your officer team has been elected and a new semester has begun. Now what?! While there are endless ways to organize your ideas and initiatives, this article will help you craft an attainable program of leadership.

College Success

10 Tips for Back to School

Sep 22, 2020

As the new school year begins, we must all learn to adapt to a new world. We'll encounter many online classes, virtual events and new guidelines for campus... To help you navigate it all, here is a list of ten tips for starting this school year strong.

Chapter Strategy

Quick Guide to Virtual Chapter Meetings

Sep 22, 2020

Virtual meeting platforms have become a prominent form of communication between family, friends and businesses and many of these tools are here to stay. Being prepared to host or participate in a virtual meeting will allow you to stand out and make a great impression.

Chapter Strategy

3 Fundraising Ideas for Fall

Sep 22, 2020

It seems that in every facet of DECA, fundraising is a necessity. During these unique times, it's important to innovate to ensure your chapter can participate in events and remain secure for the future. Here are three virtual fundraisers to try this fall.

Chapter Strategy

5 Ways Collegiate DECA Will Take You to the Next Level

Sep 22, 2020

It's official, the school year is underway. While things will look different, there are still many ways to take yourself and your Collegiate DECA chapter to the next level!

Leadership

Video Call Tips and Tricks

Sep 10, 2020

Practically overnight, video calls have become a new societal norm. This guide will provide you with a few tips and useful tricks to help improve your online learning or telecommuting experience.

Leadership

A Quick Guide to Understanding Servant Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

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.

Leadership

The Ethics of Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

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.

Leadership

DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

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.

Leadership

The Next Level is Inclusion

Sep 8, 2020

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?