All Recent Articles
Filter by division:
The 2025-2026 DECA SBE Individual Certification Exam Is Now Available
Members can achieve SBE individual certification through the successful completion of an online exam. This is a great opportunity for DECA members to add an additional level of recognition for their mastery of small business management instructional areas.
Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Larisa Spillman
Find out how Chatham Charter DECA advisor Larisa Spillman and her members transformed a student idea into one of the most anticipated community events of the year.
Celebrating National Teach Business Day: Advisor Spotlight
Business teachers across the country are shaping the next generation of leaders. National Teach Business Day is a reminder to celebrate the advisors who dedicate their time, passion and energy to teaching the skills we’ll carry into the future.
Adobe and DECA Partner to Elevate Integrated Marketing Campaign Instruction
This professional-grade roadmap was built with input from Adobe employees specializing in campaign strategy and design, agency management and marketing technology to ensure a real-world, professional approach.
Tricks (and Treats) for Planning Your Chapter’s DECAween Social
Spooky season is here and it’s the perfect time to host a DECAween social event your chapter will never forget! From themed games to creative snacks, here are some tricks (and treats) to make your event a scream.
Case Study of the Week: Is Just Dance Enough?
Step into the role of the founder of Just Dance, a chain of children’s dance studios. You and your business partner started Just Dance to give children the unique environment of learning dance recreationally rather than competitively.
How to Win Roleplays: The Art of Being Performative
Winning a DECA role-play is not always about who knows the most; it’s about who acts like they do. Welcome to the art of being performative – not in the “acting fake” sense, but in how you bring your ideas to life.
Wisconsin DECA Trick or Can
Each October, DECA chapters across Wisconsin participate in Trick or Can, a statewide initiative that turns a night of trick-or-treating into a mission to fight hunger.
Navigating College Finances: Everything Students and Parents Need to Know
Navigating college finances can be a complex and sometimes stressful task for both students and parents. Explore the ins and outs of college expenses - from financial aid and scholarships to budget management and part-time job opportunities.
5 Key Features of a Winning Scholarship Essay
Let’s explore five key features that can help you craft a scholarship-winning essay and increase your chances of securing that much-needed scholarship.
Inclusivity in DECA: Building a Chapter That Welcomes Everyone
For DECA members to thrive, they need to feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, welcomed. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to build that kind of culture in your chapter
Trick or Treat: Seasonal Business Moves
From burrito deals to ketchup turned “blood,” companies get creative every October, though not every idea is a treat. Check out the best campaigns that nailed it and the trick campaigns that missed the mark!
DECA Talks: The Journey from Independence to Guidance
Throughout my life, I have turned to advisors, counselors, coaches and friends/family to seek opportunities to learn and develop in my professional life. This talk will discuss the teachings I’ve learned independently and from the guidance of others.
DECA Talks: Taking Risks with Confidence & Conviction
In life, we are often faced with decisions that require us to take some sort of risk, whether it’s where to take your next job, which schools to apply to, where to move to, etc. In this talk, we’ll explore how to determine if a risk is worth taking and how you can set yourself up for the highest chance of success.
DECA Talks: The GRIT It Takes to Seek Success
The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent or privilege, but grit: a special blend of passion and persistence for long-term goals.
DECA Talks: Just Say Yes
Ever felt torn when presented with a cool new opportunity? Learn how choosing to say “yes” can lead to easier decision-making in the future…and some cool opportunities along the way.
Look Back on Collegiate DECA ENGAGE in Chicago
Nearly 300 Collegiate DECA members from 17 associations attended the 2019 ENGAGE Conference in Chicago, IL on November 21-23, 2019.
DECA Direct Magazine: Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship Issue features tips, resources and how-to guides to help kickstart your next entrepreneurial endeavor.
How Studying Abroad Can Help You Become an Entrepreneur
Studying abroad has many benefits, teaches you life skills and equips you with qualities that can be found in entrepreneurs. Here are just a few of the things you can learn from studying abroad that will help with your future career aspirations.
2019 DECA Pumpkin Contest Winners
The annual DECA Pumpkin Contest is always a great time for members and advisors to show off their creativity and DECA pride. This year did not disappoint!
DECA Direct Magazine: Here We Go
The Back to School issue features tips on selecting your competitive event, a guide to setting goals for the upcoming year and everything you need to get started this year in DECA!
Getting Started with Prepared Events
For those of you that have competed in DECA’s prepared events, you know that writing a quality paper, coupled with delivering a presentation, can be hard and tedious work.
Behind the Scenes at Disney World
This summer, DECA's executive officer team got a chance to peek behind the curtain (and underground) to see what makes Walt Disney World truly magical. Officers took part in training sessions through the Disney College Program, exploring leadership and culture through the Disney lens.
#Goals for Your Year
Before jumping into your goals for the year, it’s important to start with that passion. Why is DECA important? What can DECA do for the students in your school and your community? In a few sentences, explain your vision for your DECA chapter. If it was everything that it could be, what would it be? Use this vision as a guide as you are setting goals for your chapter.
