Winter break is the perfect time to relax, recharge and reset for the second part of the school year. However, the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to take a break from DECA!
Here are some helpful tips to stay involved and beat any winter break boredom:
1. Apply for DECA's Scholarships
DECA's scholarship deadline is quickly approaching! With $200,000 available, DECA's scholarships are offered to members at every grade level (yes, you heard that right, you don't need to be a graduating senior). Submit your completed application by January 9, 2026.
25-26 Application Updates
- Begin your scholarship application today through the DECA Scholarship Portal.
- Ask your DECA advisor for your DECA membership number before beginning your application.
- There is no preliminary round this year. All applicants will be required to upload a transcript and acquire three (3) letters of recommendation.
- You may be required to submit additional materials depending on the requirements for each scholarship.
2. Participate in DECA's Leadership Passport Program
Take advantage of time away from school to work on your Leadership Passport Program submissions. The Leadership Passport Program rewards actions taken by members, chapters and associations that build personal and professional skill sets focused on helping members be academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible and experienced leaders. Submissions are due February 15, 2025.
3. Sharpen Your Competition Skills
Whether you're preparing for a district or association-level conference, be sure to check out helpful articles on DECA Direct Online to finalize your prepared event, master your role-play or ace the exam. You can also take advantage of DECA's interactive competitive events page and online library of practice role-plays and exams.
4. Prepare for #CTEMonth
Career and Technical Education Month® begins in February and allows members to participate in the annual public awareness campaign to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country. Take the time to brainstorm how your chapter will celebrate DECA and advocate for the future of career and technical education.
5. Plan Your Recruitment Campaign
Even if your chapter’s membership roster is set for the year, now is a great time to start planning out next year’s recruitment strategy! Use the spring season to connect with underclassmen who will be eligible for membership in the future. Not sure where to start? Explore these articles, focusing on membership and recruitment.
6. Research Potential Internship and Job Opportunities
A break between semesters is the ideal time to start researching potential internship and job opportunities for 2026. Whether it's a summer internship or your first job post-grad, it's important to begin looking at what's out there. Once you have a list of opportunities, check out the articles published in our Career Insights category or tagged within the Internships subcategory.
7. Share Your Favorite 2025 DECA Story
Take a moment to reflect on DECA events, memories and experiences from the past year. Whether your chapter launched a new tradition or you attended your first DECA conference, we want to hear how it impacted your 2025. Write a short article and submit it here for a chance to be featured on DECA Direct Online and on @collegiatedeca social media! Discover best practices for submitting articles here.
However you choose to spend your time this winter break, we hope you return feeling recharged and ready to Go The Extra in 2026!
