The deadline to apply for DECA's scholarship program for 2025-2026 is January 9, 2026! 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.
New for 2025-2026
- Begin your scholarship application today through the DECA Scholarship Portal.
- Current DECA members will need to create an account on the page by clicking “CREATE AN ACCOUNT.”
- 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.
- All items (including letters of recommendation and the transcript) must be submitted by January 9, 2026, to be eligible. Unlike previous years, there is no preliminary round.
Scholarship Categories
1. Career Interest and Employment-Based
- Clearpoint Business Group (career interest in entrepreneurship)
- Hilton (career interest in hospitality)
- NAAEI (career interest in property management)
- NRF Foundation and Macy’s (career interest in retail)
- Publix (employee of Publix)
- Raising Cane's (employment and/or restaurant or food industry)
2. Credential-Based
- IBM SkillsBuild (completed certification)
- NRF Foundation – Rise Up (completed certification)
3. School-based Enterprises (SBE)
- Aspire Bakeries, LLC (Otis Spunkmeyer, Inc.) – must engage in an SBE
4. Leadership and Community-Oriented
- DECA Inc.
- DECA Regions (Central, North Atlantic, Southern, and Western)
- Leadership Initiatives
- National Technical Honors Society (NTHS)*
- Nestlé USA
*Additional membership required
Need More Information?
- Check out our Frequently Asked Questions
- Email us at scholarships@deca.org
