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 Challenges
Want to win money and get on stage at ICDC? Take advantage of time away from school to work on your challenge submissions. Here are the challenges due in 2026:
- NPCF Social Impact Leader of Tomorrow Challenge: Demonstrate your creativity by producing the next big cause marketing idea for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Submissions are due January 9, 2026.
- NASPO Strategic School Procurement Challenge: Develop a strategic procurement plan to solve a real-world issue in your school. Submissions are due January 9, 2026.
- IIA Community Impact Challenge: Demonstrate your creativity by producing the next community impact marketing idea for Infinity Insurance Agency. Submissions are due January 12, 2026.
- Lead4Change Community Service Challenge: Lead a team to identify a real problem in your community or school and develop a service project that creates impact. Submissions are due January 15, 2026.
- Adobe Food Truck Challenge: Develop a comprehensive food truck concept that includes branding, truck design, menu creation and social media marketing. Submissions are due January 15, 2026.
- CEWD Power Perks Challenge: As part of a dynamic creative agency, develop a compelling recruitment video about the energy industry and engaging social media assets that answer the crucial question for young talent: “What’s in it for me?” Submissions are due January 16, 2026.
- Knowledge Matters Digital Presentation Skills Challenge: Demonstrate your digital presentation skills utilizing a Virtual Business simulation in a one- to two-minute digital presentation. Submissions are due January 30, 2026.
- Invest Real World Ready Challenge: Design a bold marketing campaign that answers the question: What should every 18-year-old know about insurance before entering the real world? Submissions are due February 6, 2026.
Learn more about DECA's corporate challenges here.
3. Submit for SBE Certification
Is your chapter going for gold certification this year? School-based Enterprise (SBE) certification documentation is due by January 13, 2026. Check out these reminders as you prepare your submission.
4. 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 or master your role-play. You can also take advantage of DECA's interactive competitive events page and online library of practice role-plays and exams.
5. Prepare for #CTEMonth
Career and Technical Education Month® begins in February, and your chapter will have the opportunity to earn DECA's Advocacy Campaign. Complete three school outreach activities, three public policymaker outreach activities and three community outreach activities to gain recognition. Check out these ideas and tips to get started.
6. 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 and middle schoolers who will be eligible for membership in the future. Not sure where to start? Explore these articles, focusing on membership and recruitment.
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 @decainc 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!
