All Recent Articles
Filter by division:
Unlocking Recruitment Success: Insights from 4 Chapter Leaders
Attracting new and recurring members is a process that requires planning, collaboration and perseverance. Here are 4 chapter leaders’ insights on how to succeed at DECA recruitment.
DECA Duck Takes Flight at Smithville High School
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.
IBM SkillsBuild to Launch 8-Part Webinar Series on AI for Educators
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.
Major Keys: Unlocking College Success with a DECA Mindset
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.
Would Taylor Swift’s Marketing Score Well on a DECA Rubric?
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.
This Week in Business: What High School Students Should Know
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.
The DECA Drop Premieres Episode 1: All Things DECA!
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!
Everything You Need to Know for DECA SBE Week 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: How to Protect a Mobile Bank Account From Identity Theft
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.
Filling The GAP: The Secret Behind Katseye's Viral Marketing
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.
From Role-play to Resume: Elevating Your College Application with DECA
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.
Go The Extra Classroom Photo Contest Winners
Over 100 advisors sent us their classroom photos featuring posters, plaques, awards, banners, the DECA Guide, and the 2025-26 DECA organizer.
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.
Your Chapter's Best Year Yet
No matter your goals for the year, membership is the foundation of every DECA chapter. It’s important to plan ahead to reach potential new members and find innovative ways to engage your current members as well. With more than 10 years of DECA experience under their belts, Collegiate DECA Executive Officers Lindsay Joyner and Max May share their secrets to successfully growing chapter membership.
