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Chapter Strategy

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Joining DECA

Oct 2, 2026

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.

DECA News

Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership with the National Society of High School Scholars

Oct 2, 2026

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

Chapter Strategy

What Will You Build This October? Five Ways to Get Involved in DECA

Oct 1, 2026

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.

DECA News

Apply for a 2026-2027 DECA Scholarship by January 11, 2027

Oct 1, 2026

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.

Chapter Strategy

November is Calling: Are You In?

Oct 1, 2026

DECA Month is the perfect opportunity to get your entire chapter involved, celebrate your members and show your school what DECA is all about.

Compete

Role-play Strategies from 4 ICDC Finalists

Oct 1, 2026

Success at ICDC initially felt shrouded in mystery, with glass winners’ performances reserved for the judges who graded them.

Conferences

Fall Into FLC Season

Oct 1, 2026

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!

Chapter Strategy

Crushing Community Service: Your Chapter's Next Big Thing

Oct 1, 2026

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.

Chapter Strategy

3 Ways to Expand Your DECA Chapter’s Community Reach

Sep 30, 2026

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?

Conferences

DECA Announces A'ric Jackson as #DECAPowerTrip Closing Session Speaker

Sep 29, 2026

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.

Chapter Strategy

Work-Life-DECA: How to Fit DECA Into Your Schedule

Sep 29, 2026

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.

Conferences

Meet the Louisville Business Professionals Speaking at the 2026 Ultimate DECA Power Trip

Sep 29, 2026

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!

Leadership

DECA Talks: The GRIT It Takes to Seek Success

Dec 11, 2019

The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent or privilege, but grit: a special blend of passion and persistence for long-term goals.

Leadership

DECA Talks: Just Say Yes

Dec 11, 2019

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.

Conferences

Look Back on Collegiate DECA ENGAGE in Chicago

Nov 26, 2019

Nearly 300 Collegiate DECA members from 17 associations attended the 2019 ENGAGE Conference in Chicago, IL on November 21-23, 2019.

Career Insights

DECA Direct Magazine: Entrepreneurship

Nov 25, 2019

The Entrepreneurship Issue features tips, resources and how-to guides to help kickstart your next entrepreneurial endeavor.

College Success

How Studying Abroad Can Help You Become an Entrepreneur

Nov 17, 2019

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.

DECA News

2019 DECA Pumpkin Contest Winners

Nov 5, 2019

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!

Chapter Strategy

DECA Direct Magazine: Here We Go

Oct 8, 2019

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!

Compete

Getting Started with Prepared Events

Oct 2, 2019

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.

Career Insights

Behind the Scenes at Disney World

Sep 30, 2019

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.

Chapter Strategy

#Goals for Your Year

Sep 30, 2019

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.

Chapter Strategy

Your Chapter's Best Year Yet

Sep 30, 2019

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.

Compete

4 Things You Must Remember While Public Speaking

Sep 3, 2019

Did you know that 4 out of 5 people have a fear of public speaking? If you’re one of them, then keep reading because public speaking is such an important part of DECA.