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Compete

Preparing for Success: Summer Competition Preparation

Jun 1, 2026

Taking steps during the summer sets you up for success when competitions begin. Whether you’re competing in a prepared event or a role-play event, getting started early can make a huge difference.

College Success

Lip Balm to Life Choices: Finding Your College Essay Topic

Jun 1, 2026

Your future goals can shape the stories you choose to center your college essays around. One of the best ways to brainstorm a strong essay topic is by looking at the projects, hobbies and products that connect back to you.

Chapter Strategy

Your Chapter’s Guide to Finishing Your School Year Strong

Jun 1, 2026

As the school year ends, it's important to make sure members feel recognized, celebrated and motivated for what’s next. Here's a guide to finishing the year strong so you can hit the ground running next school year.

Conferences

The ELS Experience for Association & Chapter Officers

Jun 1, 2026

DECA's Emerging Leader Series is designed to help association and chapter officers gain leadership skills, meet members from across DECA and leave feeling inspired for the year ahead.

Career Insights

The Real World Awaits

Jun 1, 2026

Though finding an internship may sound a little terrifying, employers are excited to see our generation eager to get involved in their industries. Discover both the benefits of an internship and how to secure one in this article!

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: K-pop Revenge?

May 25, 2026

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.

Chapter Strategy

Leveraging the DECA Brand to Make a Community Impact

May 22, 2026

By following three key steps, chapters can turn simple connections into lasting impact, transforming participation into true community influence. Community involvement is just the beginning of DECA success.

Spotlights

First Place Wasn’t The Best Thing I Got From DECA

May 19, 2026

From making states to earning first place in PMFL and placing top 20 at ICDC, DECA gave me confidence, leadership skills, unforgettable friendships and lessons that will continue to shape my future long after I graduate.

Partners

16 Personal Finance Terms Everyone Should Know

May 18, 2026

Learning the language of personal finance is one of the most practical steps you can take toward feeling more in control of your money. This guide walks you through 16 essential terms, from everyday basics to more advanced concepts.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Tradeshow Planning

May 18, 2026

Step into the role of the owner of Splendid Foods, a business that produces varieties of protein bars, granola bars and other nutritious snacks. Your business partner has asked you to determine the marketing plan for a food industry trade show.

DECA News

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Marriott Foundation Curriculum Grant Recipients

May 13, 2026

Congratulations to the following chapters selected to receive the VBC–DECA Hotel Challenge Curriculum Grant provided by the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

DECA News

Apply Today for the Adobe x DECA Luminary 2026 Program

May 11, 2026

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.

Chapter Strategy

From Idea to CDECA ICDC: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Collegiate DECA Chapter

Jul 1, 2025

Starting a Collegiate DECA chapter might seem a lot at first, but with the right plan and the right team, it’ll become an exciting and rewarding journey. You’ll get to lead, compete, grow and build a legacy brand on your campus.

College Success

Balancing College and Collegiate DECA: Tips for Success

Jul 1, 2025

Being a Collegiate DECA member means pushing yourself to be a leader in and out of the classroom. Whether you’re juggling classes, jobs or leadership roles, staying on track takes strategy. Here are four key ways to balance both and thrive.

College Success

Excelling During Freshman Year

Jul 1, 2025

Your first year in college will be very different from anything you’ve experienced before, so make sure to enjoy your time and make the most of it. This article gives you some helpful tips for a successful first year of college.

Conferences

2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference Keynote Speaker & Sessions

Jun 17, 2025

DECA is excited to share a look at the 2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference keynote speaker and sessions. Join us on July 23-24 for two days filled with content focusing on instructional content that connects DECA to the classroom.

Spotlights

Leading with Pride: Empowering LGBTQ+ DECA Members

Jun 12, 2025

Pride Month is a chance to reflect on our progress and the work we still need to do. Whether someone is just joining DECA or stepping into a leadership role, they deserve to see that there’s a path forward for them, just as they are.

DECA News

DECA Hosts Luminary Program Powered by Adobe in San Francisco

Jun 11, 2025

This elite professional development experience brings together distinguished DECA chapter advisors from across the DECA network to deepen their leadership, instructional, and digital skills in a unique “train-the-trainer” format.

Compete

How your DECA Judge Thinks like a Shark Tank Investor

Jun 4, 2025

DECA judges use mental shortcuts just like investors. Learn how to craft your pitch to match their mindset and make your project more memorable.

Chapter Strategy

Making the Most of Summer: Community Service Ideas for Collegiate DECA Members

Jun 1, 2025

Whether interning, working a summer job or enjoying a lighter class schedule, community service helps you stay connected to DECA’s mission of preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Career Insights

The College Student’s Guide to LinkedIn

Jun 1, 2025

Let's be real, college is stressful enough without having the added stress of thinking about your future career. Here are five fun and practical ways to start using LinkedIn today to better your chances at landing your dream career.

Chapter Strategy

The Goal of Goals

Jun 1, 2025

Summer is a great time for college students to relax after the busy school year and difficult finals. It is also the perfect time to evaluate progress on your goals and start planning for the future.

College Success

Navigating the Summer Before College

Jun 1, 2025

The summer before college is a unique and often overlooked chapter in the story of your academic journey. It’s a season that offers more than rest – it’s an opportunity to intentionally prepare, reflect and reset.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Redesigning All-Star Weekend

May 26, 2025

Step into the role of the director of public relations for the NBA. The senior vice president wants you to redesign the NBA All-Star weekend to create fan interest and increase return-on-investment for sponsors.