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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.

5 Tips for Your Freshman Year
Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember you're not alone! To help calm your nerves and ensure you start off on the right foot, follow these five tips for your freshman year.

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.

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!

Budgeting: Setting Yourself Up for Financial Success
For youth and young adults who are just starting to embark on a lifetime of important financial decisions, one of the most foundational financial concepts to learn about is budgeting. Find out how you can create your personal budget and build a financial plan for success.

Case Study of the Week: Creating a Bereavement Policy
Step into the role of director of human resources at Association of Vision Health, a nonprofit organization that educates and works for policies regarding eye sight and vision issues. The organization employs thirty full-time employees and five part-time employees at its headquarters office.

Success Books That Change You
Summer break is a great time for self-reflection and working to become a better leader as you continue your leadership journey! Here are a few book suggestions about changing your perspective.

DECA and Piper Sandler Complete 45th Semi-Annual Survey
DECA and Piper Sandler completed the 45th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens® survey. This survey highlights discretionary spending trends and brand preferences from more than 5,600 teens across the U.S. with an average age of 16.2 years.

Looking Back on Your Legacy
Many of us are reflecting on a successful year serving as a DECA leader, but how do you define that success? Looking back on and defining your legacy allows you to reminisce over the great memories and hard work you accomplished and find new ways to improve your leadership style.

Where to Start During Tax Season
Earned wages, tracking hours and spending summers lifeguarding at the pool come with the inevitable: taxes. Interview with Steve Brown, CPA and Founder of Brown and Maguire CPAs, PLLC., reveals the key things to know as you file.

Case Study of the Week: Encouraging Guests to Return and Spend More Money
Step into the role of sales manager at Covington Hotel – Blossom City, a full-service hotel located in a city of 100,000 people. The general manager of the property wants you to create a targeted email promotion that will attract past profitable customers.

Pursue Your Profession
If you’re graduating and searching for what’s next, consider a career in residential property management. The RPM industry is hiring talented, creative and passionate people to help provide homes and create communities for 44 million Americans.

Understanding Credit Cards
Getting a credit card can seem magical—you can buy the things you want without needing cash. But if you don’t manage them correctly, credit cards can make your money disappear.

Case Study of the Week: Funding Options for Small Businesses
Step into the role of the owner of Mobile Jewels, an online company that sells accessories for mobile phones. You were able to start the company with your savings and have used it for purchasing supplies, tools, packaging, and a lease on a small workspace.

Congratulations to DECA's 2022-2023 Scholarship Recipients
DECA is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 scholarship recipients. Each year, DECA and its corporate partners award over $200,000 in scholarships to DECA members. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

Case Study of the Week: The Need for an Accountant
Step into the role of a staff accountant working at Financial Business Solutions, a financial service provider for businesses and organizations in the community. A potential client is meeting with you to determine if services are needed.