The deadline to apply for DECA's 2026-2027 scholarship program is January 11, 2027! This is your chance to earn financial support for your education while being recognized for your achievements. More than $200,000 in scholarships will be awarded to current DECA members.
How to Apply for a DECA Scholarship
- Begin your scholarship application through the DECA Scholarship Portal.
- Current DECA members will need to create an account on the page by clicking “CREATE AN ACCOUNT.” If you have previously applied for a scholarship, you can log in with your username/password.
- Fill in your information to begin the application process
- Ask your DECA advisor for your DECA membership number before beginning your application
- Once you complete the basic information, the scholarship portal will display the scholarships you are eligible to apply for
- Applicants will be required to upload a transcript and acquire three (3) letters of recommendation
- Some scholarships require additional materials, such as an essay, a video, or proof of a credential. Visit deca.org/scholarships to view the requirements for each scholarship.
- Once you complete an application and submit all requirements (unofficial transcript, letters of recommendation, and any additional requirements for a specific scholarship), the system will accept it for review.
- All items (including letters of recommendation) must be submitted by January 11, 2027, to be eligible.
Scholarship Categories
1. Career Interest andEmployment-Based
- Hilton (career interest in hospitality)
- NAAEI (career interest in property management)
- Publix (employee of Publix)
- Raising Cane's (employee of Raising Cane’s and/or interest in the restaurant/food industry)
2. Credential-Based
- IBM SkillsBuild (completed certification)
- NRF Foundation – Rise Up (completed certification)
3. School-based Enterprises (SBE)
- Otis Spunkmeyer (must work in chapter’s school-based enterprise and sell Otis Spunkmeyer products)
- NRF Foundation SBE Innovation (must work in chapter’s school-based enterprise)
4. Leadership and Community-Oriented
- DECA Inc.
- DECA Regions (Central, North Atlantic, Southern, and Western)
- Leadership Initiatives
- National Technical Honors Society (NTHS)*
*Additional membership required
Additional Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships listed above, DECA members may be eligible for other scholarships awarded under the DECA Inc./Harry A. Applegate umbrella of scholarships. These scholarships are not listed individually in the scholarship portal.
Need More Information?
- Check out our Frequently Asked Questions
- Email us at scholarships@deca.org
Questions?
No items found.
