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Take Your Community Service to the Next Level with Lead4Change
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.

A Quick Guide to Understanding Servant Leadership
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.

The Ethics of Leadership
Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's high-visibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.

DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership
A new school year brings new chances to elevate your leadership to the next level. Discover fresh ideas to enhance your chapter and become a leader worth following in your school, community and beyond.

The Next Level is Inclusion
It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership?

Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment
Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the socially-distant way with these top tips.

The Power of the Diamond
Throughout your DECA career, you’ll wear the blazer, throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?

Cultivate Your Chapter’s Culture
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost.

Discover Your DECA Leadership Style
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.

Influence with Informal Leadership
While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.

5 Tips for Your Freshman Year
Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember you're not alone! To help calm your nerves and ensure you start off on the right foot, follow these five tips for your freshman year.

DECA Members Raise $7,000 Through the MDA Muscle Corp Program
DECA members raised over $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer through the pilot MDA Muscle Corp Program. Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the program and earned 40 hours of community service.

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

How to Discover Your Next Big Thing
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.

The Summer of DECA Quest
Welcome to Camp DECA, the ultimate summer destination for emerging leaders! Whether you're snapping photos or completing trivia questions, Summer of DECA is your chance to earn ultimate camper bragging rights.

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

What Collegiate DECA Has Taught Me About Networking
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.

Goal Setting for Your Collegiate DECA Chapter
Before diving headfirst into working towards accomplishing your chapter's goals, here are a few important steps each chapter should take when setting goals.

Building Your Brand for Future Success
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.

How to Make the Most of Your Summer Internship
Whether you are exploring a new industry, building connections, gaining experience or aiming for a post-graduation job offer, internships are the perfect opportunity to learn more about yourself and your future career goals.

5 Ways to Build Your Platform for the Upcoming School Year
While summer is definitely a time to rest, reset and enjoy a well-earned break, it is also the perfect season to start thinking about the year ahead. Here are five ways to build your platform for the 2026–2027 year!

Case Study of the Week: K-pop Revenge?
Step into the role of the promotional director for Shony Pictures Animation. The vice president wants you to create a promotional plan for the theatrical release of Revenge at K-pop Hall.

Collegiate DECA Competitive Event Draft Topics Announced for 2026-2027
Get a head start on the 2026-27 competition season with Collegiate DECA's competitive event draft topics for the Business Research, Digital Marketing Strategies and Financial Statement Analysis events.

Intuit’s 2026 Life-ing Report: How New Grads Are Navigating The Financial Transition To Adulthood
Graduation is a memorable ‘life-ing’ moment for many people. To spotlight what this transition actually looks like for today’s graduates, Intuit surveyed recent and soon-to-be college graduates across the classes of 2023 through 2026.

