Winter break is a time to sleep in, relax and recharge for the second half of the school year, but the holidays don't have to be a break from DECA!
We've compiled a list of helpful suggestions to help you beat the winter break boredom blues.
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 (you don't need to be a graduating senior). Submit your completed application by January 14, 2022.
Tip: Get your Membership ID and Password from your chapter advisor to log in and start your application.
2. Participate in DECA's Challenges
Take advantage of time away from school to work on your challenge submissions. Most challenges come with the opportunity to earn cash prizes, recognition on stage during ICDC and other cool rewards. Here are five challenges happening now:
- FIDM Entrepreneur of Tomorrow Challenge - Pitch an entrepreneurial proposal for a new product idea. Due by February 7, 2022.
- NPCF Social Impact Leader of Tomorrow Challenge - Demonstrate your creativity by producing the next big cause marketing idea for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Due by February 7, 2022.
- Knowledge Matters Digital Presentation Skills Challenge - Test your skills at creating and delivering a digital presentation. Submissions open on January 3, 2022.
- MDA Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Challenge - Create a focused Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) strategy and an accompanying marketing and communications plan. Due by February 7, 2022.
- Lead4Change Challenge - Demonstrate your leadership skills by getting involved with your community and submitting a community service project. Due by February 11, 2022.
3. Apply for the Emerging Leader Honor Award
With a new, streamlined process, earning DECA's Emerging Leader Honor Award is easier than ever! To apply, you must be a senior and meet all qualifications. Nominations are due by January 28, 2022.
Tip: Get your Membership ID and Password from your chapter advisor to log in and start your application.
4. Submit for SBE Certification
Is your chapter going for gold certification this year? School-based Enterprise (SBE) certification documentation is due by January 10, 2022. Check out these tips to help prepare your submission.
5. 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 online library of practice role-plays and exams.
6. Prepare for #CTEMonth
Career and Technical Education Month® begins in February and your chapter has the opportunity to earn DECA's Advocacy Campaign. Complete three school outreach activities, three public policymaker outreach activities and three community outreach activities to earn recognition. Check out these ideas and tips to get started.
7. Plan Your Recruitment Campaign
Even if your chapter's membership roster is finalized for the current year, now is the perfect time to start planning next year's recruitment efforts! Take advantage of the spring to start reaching out to underclassmen and middle school students who will be eligible for membership in the future.
