The DECA Luminary Program is an opportunity for exceptional chapter advisors who not only excel in their roles but also show strong potential to mentor fellow advisors within their chartered associations by leading professional learning experiences.
This July, DECA will host the second DECA Luminary Program powered by Adobe in San Francisco, CA. This event will bring together up to 100 of DECA’s top educators for an engaging experience focused on educational trends, classroom strategies, innovative approaches to developing student leaders and using Adobe to inspire creativity. Held in the heart of San Francisco, this program will feature dynamic professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative activities. At the conclusion of the training, DECA luminaries will be equipped and required to provide professional learning modules within the chartered association.
Thanks to Adobe’s generous support, DECA is making a bold investment in strengthening our chartered associations by advancing professional learning for our chapter advisors.
PURPOSE
The DECA Luminary Program is designed to develop a cohort of DECA advisors who will serve as leaders and mentors within their chartered associations. Specifically, the program aims to:
- Recognize outstanding chapter advisors who are innovative, integrate DECA into classroom instruction and lead strong, high-performing chapters.
- Build a strong, mission-aligned network of training and support for chapter advisors within each chartered association.
- Equip luminaries to deliver professional learning within their chartered association focused on DECA programming and the effective use of Adobe Express for Education in the classroom and in support of chapter activities.
FORMAT
The DECA Luminary Program will consist of a two-and-a-half day training program comprised of keynotes, train-the-trainer format modules, content breakouts and networking. The presenter lineup will feature Adobe executives, members of the Adobe product team and DECA Inc. staff.
The modules and content are currently under development. Potential topics include:
- DECA Connects to Curriculum
- DECA’s Integrated Marketing Campaign Toolkit
- AI & Creativity in Education
- Generative AI in the Classroom with Adobe Express
- Implementing the DECA x Adobe Challenges
- Using Adobe Express with Competitive Events
- Adobe Express for Education Product Sneaks
- Supporting Adobe Express for Education Activation
Each train-the-trainer module will include a training plan, slide deck, student activities, evaluation and metrics reporting plan.
The ultimate goal is to empower chapter advisors to support DECA members with the training, curricula and technology exposure to succeed – using DECA as the learning context. Program content will help students build generative AI skills while gaining practical training for in-demand skills in marketing, communications and creative fields.
Through this program, DECA aims to train 100 DECA advisors, who will each go on to train at least 25 additional advisors within their chartered associations. The objective is to reach a minimum of 125,000 students through the developed training modules.
QUALIFICATIONS
Luminary candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Active, full-time DECA chapter advisor teaching marketing, finance, hospitality, business, or entrepreneurship, course(s)
- Demonstrates excellence as a chapter advisor - innovative, integrates DECA into the classroom, leads a strong chapter and contributes to the chartered association
- Have the support of the DECA chapter advisor’s local administration
- Be familiar with DECA’s comprehensive learning program, including competitive events, school-based enterprises and chapter strategy
- Preferred: experience facilitating and delivering training to teachers
- Preferred: strong technology skills
Previous Luminaries are not eligible to participate.
REQUIREMENTS
Selected luminaries must:
- Attend the full DECA Luminary Course in San Francisco
- Implement Adobe Express in their classroom and provide teacher and student feedback
- Participate in periodic Zoom check-ins and collaborate with fellow luminaries and DECA staff
- Use DECA-provided training materials to train to at least 25 additional DECA advisors on Adobe Express
- Share a resource or opportunity with chapter advisors in their chartered association at least once per month during the 2026-2027 school year
- Participate in evaluation and metrics reporting as outlined by DECA Inc.
- Maintain regular communication with their chartered association advisor or designee
- Serve as a positive, professional role model for other DECA advisors while serving as a luminary and embody DECA’s mission and guiding principles.
After the applications are reviewed, DECA will also collaborate with the Chartered Association Advisor to determine the association’s luminary, as chartered associations must:
- Host a local training session for the luminary to deliver content or integrate the modules into an existing training event for chapter advisors (e.g., summer training or teacher professional association training)
- Support the luminary by providing a forum and logistical support for the delivery of professional learning
- Integrate the luminary into advisor professional learning programs, such as onboarding new chapter advisors, throughout the year
TRAINING SCHEDULE
The in-person training is scheduled for July 25-28, 2026, in San Francisco, California, at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA and the Adobe San Francisco office.
Saturday, July 25
- Throughout Day | Travel + Arrivals
Sunday, July 26
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | DECA Training Modules at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
Monday, July 27
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Adobe Training Modules at the Adobe San Francisco Office
Tuesday, July 28
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Adobe Training Modules at the Adobe San Francisco Office
- 11:15 AM - onward | Departures to Airport + Travel
Thanks to generous support from Adobe, the program will cover cost of the training, travel, meals and accommodations in accordance with DECA Inc.’s travel policy. Reimbursement for the cost of a substitute will be provided for Monday, July 27 and/or Tuesday, July 28, if required.
TIMELINE
- Monday, May 25 | Deadline for chapter advisors to submit their applications
- Wednesday, June 3 | Targeted date to extend invitations to attend the DECA Luminary Program
- Wednesday, June 10 | Luminaries must confirm participation and provide verification of school administration approval
