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College Success

Stay Ahead This Fall with the Encourage Preference Form Timeline

Jul 28, 2026

To help chapters know what to expect, Encourage has shared key dates for the 2026–2027 preference form timeline to help advisors proactively communicate with members, answer questions and maximize participation throughout the fall.

DECA News

Unpacking Teen Trends: Fall 2026 Taking Stock with Teens Survey

Jul 28, 2026

The 2026 Fall Piper Sandler Taking Stock With Teens Survey is now available for use in your classroom!

Spotlights

West Valley DECA Receives $5,000 Grant from Explore.Act.Tell

Jul 27, 2026

Since 2022, West Valley DECA has played an integral role in helping families in need within its school district by hosting donation drives at local grocery stores to support the Ram Landing program.

DECA News

DECA Announces New Premier Partner Program + Inaugural Members

Jul 17, 2026

The DECA Premier Partner Program offers a meaningful way for organizations to connect, be visible, and actively engage with DECA’s network of high school and collegiate student members and advisors.

Chapter Strategy

Make Your Chapter the Next Big Thing with New Back-to-School Resources

Jul 10, 2026

We are excited to deliver all the resources you need to showcase “This Is How We Do DECA” in one branded box! This is your all-in-one kit to start the school year.

DECA News

Apply to Join the 2026-2027 DECA Content Creators

Jul 6, 2026

The 2026-27 DECA Content Creators will help increase the DECA brand by showcasing their unique DECA experience. Content creators gain exclusive access to insider information while working to increase DECA's digital presence.

Chapter Strategy

From Vision to Victory: How SMART Goals Transform a DECA Chapter

Jul 1, 2026

At the start of every year, DECA chapters set goals. Whether it's recruiting new members, increasing competition participation or improving chapter engagement, success begins with a clear plan. That's where SMART goals come in.

Career Insights

Sparking Sales: The Business of the Fourth of July

Jun 25, 2026

This 4th of July is our country's 250th birthday, and the budget and marketing strategies for this historic celebration might blow your mind. In addition to the traditional barbecue and fireworks, check out these four fun facts surrounding America’s favorite summer holiday.

DECA News

Download the 2026-2027 DECA Guide

Jun 23, 2026

The DECA Guide provides all the information you need to have a successful year. Explore our learning programs, check out this year’s calendar, access competitive event guidelines and so much more!

Spotlights

Turning Sad Dogs Into Glad Dogs: TCHS DECA’s Community Donation Drive

Jun 12, 2026

From toy chests to wagging tails, TCHS DECA’s donation drive helped bring shelter dogs comfort. Thanks to the support of our school community, donated toys will make a difference for dogs waiting to find their forever homes.

DECA News

Get to Know the 2026-27 Executive Officer Team

Jun 12, 2026

As the 2026-27 High School Executive Officers gear up for an exciting year ahead, take a moment to learn more about the faces behind the blazers and the stories that brought them here.

Chapter Strategy

How to Discover Your Next Big Thing

Jun 12, 2026

Your Next Big Thing starts with one step. Learn how DECA members can discover their goals, grow from challenges and use every opportunity to become stronger leaders and members.

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?

Chapter Strategy

Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment

Sep 8, 2020

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.

Chapter Strategy

The Power of the Diamond

Sep 8, 2020

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?