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Compete

Get Ready for Round One of the DECA Virtual Business Challenge

Sep 30, 2025

You won't want to miss the annual DECA Virtual Business Challenge! DECA VBC is an official competitive event free to high school members. Participate and you could earn a trip to ICDC and a share of over $20,000 in scholarship money.

College Success

History Has Its Eyes on You: How to Make Your College Essay Stand Out

Sep 30, 2025

While Hamilton wrote 51 essays to defend the Constitution, we only have to write one for college. One simple yet weighted essay can redirect our lives. So here are three factors to consider as you brainstorm your college essay topic.

Chapter Strategy

Shop 'Till You Drop: Ways to Celebrate SBE Week At Your School

Sep 29, 2025

2025 DECA SBE Week is here, and we couldn't be more excited! Here are some ways to celebrate with your school-based enterprise.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Reduce, Reuse or Recycle - Hotel Renovations

Sep 29, 2025

Step into the role of the general manager of Lilac Inn, an independent hotel property in a city of 30,000 people. The owner wants you to identify waste redirection opportunities that could lead to a better brand image.

Career Insights

The Nitro Bar: A Coffee Cart turned Famous $4.5M Brand

Sep 29, 2025

In honor of National Coffee Day, here’s a Rhode Island success story that shows how smart marketing can transform a business from a coffee cart to a viral sensation.

College Success

Top 10 Test Taking Tips for the Digital SAT

Sep 27, 2025

If you’re planning to take the digital SAT, the good news is there are no secrets—the SAT isn’t out to trick you. Here are the top 10 test-taking tips from College Board, the makers of the SAT

Chapter Strategy

Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Eric Wagner

Sep 26, 2025

DECA Advisor Eric Wagner is giving his students more than classroom lessons—he’s providing real-world financial and leadership experiences through the chapter’s student-run credit union.

Chapter Strategy

Mixing It Up: The Secret Recipe to SBE Success

Sep 25, 2025

It's important to curate the perfect recipe for your school’s SBE and come up with ingredients to make it the best experience for your students. Here are three ingredients for making your SBE successful!

Chapter Strategy

Unlocking Recruitment Success: Insights from 4 Chapter Leaders

Sep 25, 2025

Attracting new and recurring members is a process that requires planning, collaboration and perseverance. Here are 4 chapter leaders’ insights on how to succeed at DECA recruitment.

Spotlights

DECA Duck Takes Flight at Smithville High School

Sep 24, 2025

Smithville High School’s DECA chapter has a new mascot, DECA Duck. What started as just a blue rubber ducky idea has become a school spirit sensation at DECA events and recruiting activities.

Chapter Strategy

IBM SkillsBuild to Launch 8-Part Webinar Series on AI for Educators

Sep 24, 2025

Starting September 25th, IBM SkillsBuild is launching an incredible 8-part webinar series designed specifically for educators ready to be enabled and become force multipliers.

College Success

Major Keys: Unlocking College Success with a DECA Mindset

Sep 23, 2025

Success doesn’t come from luck; it comes from preparation, strategy, mindset and staying true to yourself. For many, college feels like the biggest stage of their life. But in reality, it’s actually not all that different from being a DECA member.

Leadership

Call Her DECA: Why Podcasts are the Next Big IT Girl​​

Sep 18, 2025

There is a new IT girl in town, and she is in your earbuds. Like DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, podcasts prepare a new generation of thinkers, doers and dreamers who are ready to take the mic.

Compete

Navigating DECA's Competitive Events Page

Sep 18, 2025

Choosing the right event can be overwhelming. Check out this directional guide on how to use the DECA Competitive Events page to assist you in making your decision!

Career Insights

Inside the Marketing of the Summer's Biggest Films

Sep 17, 2025

Behind every billion-dollar blockbuster film is a creative team of entertainment marketers who are pulling strings to rewrite the rules of entertainment. Check out the best entertainment marketing wins from this past summer.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Marketing to a Younger Demographic

Sep 15, 2025

Step into the role of a marketing specialist for Station Hardware, a retailer specializing in home improvement products. The director of marketing wants you to create a marketing plan that will introduce the brand to a new demographic.

DECA News

Vector Marketing and DECA Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership

Sep 12, 2025

DECA proudly celebrates 20 years of partnership with Vector Marketing Corporation - a collaboration that has empowered DECA members and educators to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Chapter Strategy

Here Are 5 Themes for Your Next Chapter Meeting

Sep 12, 2025

Meeting themes are a great way to show your school that DECA is extraordinary. They also encourage and persuade someone unfamiliar with DECA to attend the meeting, boosting member retention.

Career Insights

Generation Z’s Buying Power is Reshaping Retail Trends and Revitalizing Malls

Sep 11, 2025

NRF’s Hot 25 Retailers list reflects the growing influence of Generation Z, and it likely won’t be the last list to do so. These retailers offer shoppers engaging experiences and curated events.

Chapter Strategy

Three Hats, One Head: Balancing School, Work and DECA

Sep 10, 2025

Between classes, jobs and DECA, finding balance takes that extra effort. Here are four tips to help you effectively balance responsibilities and make the most of every opportunity! 

DECA News

How to Place a Custom Order with Shop DECA

Sep 10, 2025

Looking to personalize your DECA gear? The Shop DECA team has made creating and ordering custom merchandise for your chapter simple and easy.

Spotlights

Alumni: Tell Us Your DECA Story!

Sep 8, 2025

DECA Inc. is excited to launch a new platform for alumni to share their DECA stories, become future volunteers and get involved with their associations.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Luggage For Rent

Sep 8, 2025

Step into the role of an entrepreneur looking to develop a new project. A friend has an idea for a new business but needs help developing it into a feasible venture.

Chapter Strategy

Shop DECA FAQs & Answers

Sep 5, 2025

How do I get a new blazer patch? Can I exchange or return a blazer? What is DECA+? The Shop DECA team is here to help answer some of your most frequently asked questions about Shop DECA products and processes.