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5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Joining DECA
If you’re a first-year DECA member and, much like I used to, think that DECA is just roleplays and exams, think again. Here are five things I wish I knew before joining.

Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership with the National Society of High School Scholars
DECA is proud to celebrate a decade of partnership with the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

What Will You Build This October? Five Ways to Get Involved in DECA
A business idea? A stronger chapter? The confidence to share your next big pitch? Here are five ways to start your Next Big Thing this October.

Apply for a 2026-2027 DECA Scholarship by January 11, 2027
The deadline to apply for DECA's 2026-2027 scholarship program is January 11, 2027! More than $200,000 in scholarships will be awarded to current DECA members.

November is Calling: Are You In?
DECA Month is the perfect opportunity to get your entire chapter involved, celebrate your members and show your school what DECA is all about.

Role-play Strategies from 4 ICDC Finalists
Success at ICDC initially felt shrouded in mystery, with glass winners’ performances reserved for the judges who graded them.

Fall Into FLC Season
As fall begins and the DECA year continues to take shape, one of the most exciting parts of the season is right around the corner: Fall Leadership Conferences!

Crushing Community Service: Your Chapter's Next Big Thing
The first time I ever went to ICDC, I was at the Elevate Leadership Conference, and a member at my table mentioned that her chapter back home in Wisconsin made cookies for first responders every year on 9/11.

3 Ways to Expand Your DECA Chapter’s Community Reach
Lots of things happen in school like your math class, your english, and your chapter’s DECA meetings! But how about outside of school and in your community?

DECA Announces A'ric Jackson as #DECAPowerTrip Closing Session Speaker
A'ric's high-energy, heart-reaching keynote, Generation Leadership, will challenge students to see leadership differently and find new ways to show up as a leader.

Work-Life-DECA: How to Fit DECA Into Your Schedule
As high school students, school, extracurricular activities, clubs, and even work can take up most of the very limited 24 hours we have each day.

Meet the Louisville Business Professionals Speaking at the 2026 Ultimate DECA Power Trip
What does it take to create experiences people remember? At the 2026 Ultimate DECA Power Trip in Louisville, members will hear from four professionals who do it every day!

Program of Leadership: Your Chapter's Master Plan
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.

10 Tips for Back to School
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.

Quick Guide to Virtual Chapter Meetings
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.

3 Fundraising Ideas for Fall
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.

5 Ways Collegiate DECA Will Take You to the Next Level
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!

Video Call Tips and Tricks
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.

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?

