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Your Chapter’s Guide to Finishing Your School Year Strong
As the school year ends, it's important to make sure members feel recognized, celebrated and motivated for what’s next. Here's a guide to finishing the year strong so you can hit the ground running next school year.
The ELS Experience for Association & Chapter Officers
DECA's Emerging Leader Series is designed to help association and chapter officers gain leadership skills, meet members from across DECA and leave feeling inspired for the year ahead.
The Real World Awaits
Though finding an internship may sound a little terrifying, employers are excited to see our generation eager to get involved in their industries. Discover both the benefits of an internship and how to secure one in this article!
Case Study of the Week: K-pop Revenge?
Step into the role of the promotional director for Shony Pictures Animation. The vice president wants you to create a promotional plan for the theatrical release of Revenge at K-pop Hall.
Leveraging the DECA Brand to Make a Community Impact
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.
First Place Wasn’t The Best Thing I Got From DECA
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.
16 Personal Finance Terms Everyone Should Know
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: Tradeshow Planning
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.
Congratulations to the 2026-27 Marriott Foundation Curriculum Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the following chapters selected to receive the VBC–DECA Hotel Challenge Curriculum Grant provided by the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation.
Apply Today for the Adobe x DECA Luminary 2026 Program
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.
Download Your American Marketing Association (AMA) Associate in Marketing Management Certificate Now
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: Destination Skillcation
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.
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.
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.
Mountain View High School Virtual Recruitment
Like for many chapters, this year’s DECA kickoff meeting was unique for Mountain View High School in Georgia. Even though the meeting was held through Zoom, the chapter still found a way to make it one of their best meetings yet.
10 Ideas for Collegiate DECA Freshman Recruitment
Collegiate DECA offers incredible opportunities for members, and every year dedicated officers aim to increase membership. However, it can be a struggle to think of new, creative ways to recruit new students. To help, explore these ten great ways to increase membership.
How to Raise Your Membership to the #NextLevel
As we enter a new year, it's time to get excited about membership recruitment! We know this year is going to look different, so here are some tips for taking your recruitment efforts to the #NextLevel!
