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Leadership

The Business of Basketball: NBA Lessons for DECA Leaders

Oct 1, 2025

With a global reach and billions in revenue, the NBA is a business powerhouse. For people involved in DECA, there’s real value in understanding how the world of the NBA and basketball highly connects to the world of business.

Career Insights

Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Price: How Fall Flavors Fuel the Economy

Oct 1, 2025

Pumpkin spice is a cultural phenomenon generating millions. For DECA members, it’s a reminder that creativity, consumer psychology and timing can turn a small idea into a spice-tacular business case.

Compete

How to Prepare for District Competitions Like a Pro

Oct 1, 2025

Districts are your first chance to showcase your skills, gain feedback and set the tone for the rest of the competitive season. Check out these tips to help you get ready to shine.

Chapter Strategy

How Can You #ThankAPrincipal This Month?

Oct 1, 2025

October is National Principals Month, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Check out ideas and resources you can use to #ThankAPrincipal this month.

Conferences

Lights, Leadership and Lifelong Memories: What to Expect at The Ultimate DECA Power Trip

Oct 1, 2025

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your competitive edge, grow as a leader or connect with members nationwide, Power Trip has something for everyone. Let’s dive into what this conference has to offer!

Chapter Strategy

Fall-ing into Fundraising: Ideas to Raise Money for Your DECA Chapter this Fall

Oct 1, 2025

By tapping into the energy of autumn, you can raise funds while building community spirit and strengthening your chapter! Here are five ideas to get you started.

Chapter Strategy

Power Up Your Chapter: A Guide to DECA’s Chapter Campaigns

Oct 1, 2025

From connecting with the community to rallying school spirit, chapter campaigns are one of the most powerful ways DECA members can make an impact. DECA offers five campaigns, so let’s dive into which campaign may be the best fit.

Career Insights

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: How Companies Use the Fall Season to Get Ahead

Oct 1, 2025

Seasonal marketing—whether in quick-service restaurants, retail or even your local grocery store—is a powerful strategy that celebrates the season and showcases entrepreneurial creativity.

Chapter Strategy

Baking Up Success: How Two DECA Chapters Use Cookies to Power Their SBEs

Sep 30, 2025

Two DECA chapters - Frankfort DECA and Broad Run DECA - are finding creative ways to use Otis Spunkmeyer cookies as more than just a sweet snack but also thriving school-based enterprises.

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.

Chapter Strategy

Partner with Purpose: Developing Partnerships for a Stronger DECA

Feb 8, 2020

For your DECA chapter or association to thrive, it is valuable to find individuals or organizations that can help you achieve your mission and goals. Forming partnerships allows multiple groups to receive benefits while also contributing to the greater good of their respective markets.

Spotlights

Chatham Charter DECA's 3 Keys to Membership Success

Feb 6, 2020

Chatham Charter, a high school of 200 students, has a DECA chapter with 60 paid members - over one-fourth of the student body! However, these astonishing numbers didn't happen on their own. I'm going to share with you our three main tactics for membership campaign success.

College Success

How to Choose Your College Major in One Hour or Less

Feb 4, 2020

Many high school students agonize over which major they should choose. But, laboring over a decision and making the decision are two different tasks. Which means you’re making more work for yourself! Use this simple how-to guide for you to choose your college major in one hour or less.

Chapter Strategy

Tell Your DECA Story in 4 Easy Steps

Feb 3, 2020

The next opportunity to advocate for DECA is here as February is Career and Technical Education Month®! During this month we will raise awareness and celebrate the value of Career Technical Education (CTE) and the accomplishments of DECA members around the globe!

Chapter Strategy

CTE Lingo: Key Terms to Know

Feb 2, 2020

It's Career and Technical Education Month® and you may suddenly find your social media feed full of new terms and acronyms. Don't get overwhelmed! Here are the top terms you need to know to be part of the #CTEMonth conversation and help advocate for DECA and career and technical education.

Career Insights

DECA Direct Magazine: Finance

Jan 28, 2020

The Finance Issue will help you take your finance game to the next level. From saving and investing to budgeting and fundraising, you'll find it here. The issue also features resources and ideas to help your chapter prepare for Career and Technical Education Month® in February.

Compete

Collegiate DECA Finance Events: Everything You Need to Know

Jan 28, 2020

It’s the start of a new semester and for many, this time of year signals the beginning of competition season! If you’ve ever thought of competing in a finance event, read on for some helpful tips and tricks to ensure success!

Leadership

The Best Apps for Your #FinanceGoals

Jan 28, 2020

A new year means new resolutions, and there’s no better way to kick-off the new decade than taking charge of your financial future. Whether your financial goals this year include getting started with investing or simply creating your first budget, there’s an app for that!

Chapter Strategy

Fundraise Your Way to ICDC

Jan 28, 2020

Fundraising often gets a bad reputation for being too hard or not producing the desired outcome. However, by following the six keys to fundraising, you will soon find yourself with money to fund your chapter’s trip to ICDC.

Leadership

Personal Finance 101

Jan 28, 2020

I’ll be honest… Money management is a skill that took me a long time to acquire. I used to be the type of person that would get lunch money from my parents and spend it all on Gushers from the cafeteria...

DECA News

DECA Idea Challenge 2019 Winning Teams

Jan 21, 2020

DECA Inc. is excited to announce this year’s DECA Idea Challenge global winners!

Chapter Strategy

6 Ways to Celebrate #CTEMonth

Jan 20, 2020

How can you celebrate CTE Month and show support for DECA and your school’s program? These are the six best ways you can help celebrate and advocate for support of CTE.