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Compete

Beginner’s Guide to the DECA Virtual Business Challenges

Oct 13, 2020

DECA’s VBC program offers eight tracks of competition—Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Fashion, Hotel Management, Personal Finance, Restaurant, Retailing and Sports. This lesser-known competitive event series allows members to qualify for ICDC, compete for coveted DECA glass and earn a share of $20,000 in scholarship money.

Partners

DECA and Piper Sandler Complete 40th Semi-Annual Survey of 9,800 U.S. Teens

Oct 9, 2020

DECA and Piper Sandler completed the 40th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens® survey. This survey highlights discretionary spending trends and brand preferences from 9,800 teens across 48 U.S. states with an average age of 15.8 years.

Compete

2020-2021 District Event Instructional Areas Announced

Oct 5, 2020

Get ready for competition season! Each year DECA provides the primary instructional area(s) assessed in each of the district-level scenarios to help advisors and members prepare for district competitions more effectively.

Leadership

Watch Now: Executive Mentor Roundtable on Next Level Leadership

Oct 1, 2020

Check out DECA’s Executive Mentor Roundtable on “Next Level Leadership." Four executives share how they have harnessed the power of leadership to impact others and offer advice on how you can take your leadership to the next level.

Leadership

3 Podcasts to Enrich Your Leadership and Life

Sep 29, 2020

Podcasts are a convenient way to learn more about becoming a better person and leader. Continue reading to discover three new podcasts to add to your collection that are guaranteed to provide insight on life, leadership and everything in between!

College Success

10 Tips for Back to School

Sep 22, 2020

As the new school year begins, we must all learn to adapt to a new world. We'll encounter many online classes, virtual events and new guidelines for campus... To help you navigate it all, here is a list of ten tips for starting this school year strong.

Chapter Strategy

Quick Guide to Virtual Chapter Meetings

Sep 22, 2020

Virtual meeting platforms have become a prominent form of communication between family, friends and businesses and many of these tools are here to stay. Being prepared to host or participate in a virtual meeting will allow you to stand out and make a great impression.

Chapter Strategy

3 Fundraising Ideas for Fall

Sep 22, 2020

It seems that in every facet of DECA, fundraising is a necessity. During these unique times, it's important to innovate to ensure your chapter can participate in events and remain secure for the future. Here are three virtual fundraisers to try this fall.

Chapter Strategy

10 Tips for Your Social Media and How to Apply It to Your SBE

Sep 16, 2020

Social media has become an essential tool in business. It is how businesses are building their brand and their online communities. The root goal behind why businesses build their online presence? The main goal is to make sales and build a customer base. So how do you get started to apply this to your own business or school-based enterprise? Here are 10 tips to get you started.

Leadership

Video Call Tips and Tricks

Sep 10, 2020

Practically overnight, video calls have become a new societal norm. This guide will provide you with a few tips and useful tricks to help improve your online learning or telecommuting experience.

Partners

Take Your Community Service to the Next Level with Lead4Change

Sep 8, 2020

The Lead4Change Leadership programs offer numerous benefits for students. An independent research study found that participating in Lead4Change contributed to significant growth in areas such as leadership skills (60% of students improved), respect for others (54%) and ambition and innovation (53%). Teachers can have equally transformative experiences.

Leadership

A Quick Guide to Understanding Servant Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

The concept of leadership has been around since the days of Aristotle and Plato and has evolved countless times throughout the centuries. But in 1970, a new theory emerged. Developed by Robert Greenleaf, servant leadership is the idea that empowered leaders serve their followers and to enable them to live and work to their full potential.

DECA News

DECA Announces New Premier Partner Program + Inaugural Members

Jul 17, 2026

The DECA Premier Partner Program offers a meaningful way for organizations to connect, be visible, and actively engage with DECA’s network of high school and collegiate student members and advisors.

Compete

Summer and Competition Preperation is in Session

Jul 1, 2026

Whether this upcoming school year is the first time you are competing in Collegiate DECA or not, there is no better time than now to start taking the first steps.

Chapter Strategy

A Leader’s Checklist for Preparing for a New School Year 

Jul 1, 2026

For chapter and association leaders, this time of year is especially important. The work you do before classes begin can set the tone for your entire year, helping your team stay organized, engaged and ready to succeed.

Leadership

5 Ways to Lead Outside of DECA 

Jul 1, 2026

While DECA has helped shape me as a leader, some of my biggest leadership lessons have come from experiences outside of DECA. Whether it's at school, work, or in your community, there are opportunities to lead everywhere.

Chapter Strategy

Be a Founder: 6 Steps to Bring Collegiate DECA to Your University 

Jul 1, 2026

During my senior year of high school, I realized the college I was attending did not have a Collegiate DECA chapter. This made me realize that I had the opportunity to create something that would benefit students for years to come.

Leadership

Simple Ways to Balance Work, Life and DECA

Jul 1, 2026

Balance does not mean doing everything perfectly. It means finding a routine that helps you stay organized, communicate clearly and take care of yourself.

DECA News

Get to Know the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team

Jun 12, 2026

As the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officers gear up for an exciting year ahead, take a moment to learn more about the faces behind the blazers and the stories that brought them here.

Chapter Strategy

How to Discover Your Next Big Thing

Jun 12, 2026

Your Next Big Thing starts with one step. Learn how DECA members can discover their goals, grow from challenges and use every opportunity to become stronger leaders and members.

Chapter Strategy

The Step-by-Step Guide to Meet with Congressional Representatives 

Jun 10, 2026

Meeting with your US Congressional Representative is one of the most effective ways to advocate for DECA. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you schedule a meeting with your representatives, share your experiences, and follow up.

Leadership

What Collegiate DECA Has Taught Me About Networking

Jun 1, 2026

Before DECA, I used to think networking meant adding random people on LinkedIn. But over the last few years, I’ve learned that networking is much more than that. Here are 5 things that DECA has taught me about networking.

Chapter Strategy

Goal Setting for Your Collegiate DECA Chapter

Jun 1, 2026

Before diving headfirst into working towards accomplishing your chapter's goals, here are a few important steps each chapter should take when setting goals.

Leadership

Building Your Brand for Future Success

Jun 1, 2026

No matter the setting, your personal brand can influence future opportunities. Discover the building blocks you can establish to ensure a successful brand, especially whenever it comes to being the NEXT BIG THING.