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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.

Leadership

3 Ways to Handle Burnout

Oct 11, 2021

Have you ever experienced a case of burnout? If so, it can be a challenging experience. During the school year, we take on many responsibilities and may find it hard to balance work, academics and life with so much on our plate. It is important to find a way to take a break and rest–both physically and mentally–to avoid burnout.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Investing Money at a Bank

Oct 11, 2021

You are to assume the roles of the investment manager and investment specialist at Cross Town Bank. You will be meeting with a customer to discuss options for investing in order to earn a return.

Chapter Strategy

3 Ways to Celebrate a DECA Halloween

Oct 7, 2021

Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to spend the Halloween season than doing it DECA style! Here are three ways you can celebrate Halloween the DECA way.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Credit Card Ethics in the Workplace

Oct 4, 2021

You are to assume the roles of the human resources director and the operations director at Braxton Productions,. The president has asked you to determine if an employee’s actions are ethical, how to respond, and how to communicate any changes in processes to staff.

Compete

How to Best Prepare for Your Next Role-play

Oct 4, 2021

With competition season fast approaching, the number one thing on many competitors’ minds is the thought of how they can crush their role-play in front of their judges. Unfortunately, there is no magical hack to make your presentations better but these tips should definitely help!

Chapter Strategy

10 Things You May Not Know About DECA Direct Online

Oct 2, 2021

How well do you know DECA Direct Online? Check out these ten cool features to help you get the most out of the site.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Helping Teens with Financial Goals

Sep 27, 2021

You are to assume the role of a financial counselor that works with teenagers. You will be meeting with a client to discuss a personal spending plan that will help meet the client’s financial goals.

Chapter Strategy

3 Ways to Make New DECA Members Feel Welcome

Sep 27, 2021

Joining DECA can be a rewarding experience for members who decide to get involved. However, just because someone registers as a member, doesn’t mean they automatically start taking advantage of all that DECA has to offer.

Other

Your Guide to Exploring Austin During Collegiate DECA's Engage Conference

Sep 27, 2021

The Texas Collegiate DECA officers have put together a list of local favorites for Collegiate DECA members to check out while in Austin for Engage this November.

Leadership

3 Ways to Sharpen Your Leadership Decision-making Skills

Sep 20, 2021

Have you recently taken on a new leadership position? While many perks come with the role, more responsibility often means increased pressure to make the best possible decisions.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Market Research Needed for Wild Fair Amusement Park

Sep 20, 2021

You are the director of community relations for Jumbo Entertainment, a company that owns and operates two amusement parks.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: How to Best Invest Resources in a Successful Start-up

Sep 13, 2021

You are the partner of an entrepreneur that started Gleam, a mobile app that provides car washing services at customers’ homes or places of work. The entrepreneur is unsure how to best use the additional funding.