All Recent Articles
Filter by division:
Preparing for Success: Summer Competition Preparation
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.
Lip Balm to Life Choices: Finding Your College Essay Topic
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.
Your Chapter’s Guide to Finishing Your School Year Strong
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.
The ELS Experience for Association & Chapter Officers
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.
The Real World Awaits
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: 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.
Leveraging the DECA Brand to Make a Community Impact
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.
First Place Wasn’t The Best Thing I Got From DECA
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.
16 Personal Finance Terms Everyone Should Know
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: Tradeshow Planning
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.
Congratulations to the 2026-27 Marriott Foundation Curriculum Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the following chapters selected to receive the VBC–DECA Hotel Challenge Curriculum Grant provided by the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation.
Apply Today for the Adobe x DECA Luminary 2026 Program
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.
5 Apps to Ease Your Stress
Looking to beat bad stress? Rather than endlessly scrolling through Instagram or stress-shopping on Amazon, turn to these apps to breathe, play and move your way to less stress!
Build Better Habits (and Break Your Bad Ones!)
Having the right habits is more important than ever as you navigate a busy school year. Read on to learn how you can create better habits in any area of your life, plus our tips and tricks for getting rid of your bad habits for good!
Mindfulness Your Way
You may have heard about mindfulness in one of your classes, and perhaps you’ve even tried meditating a time or two. For many people, meditation and other mindfulness practices are a go-to source for stress relief, getting in the zone before a role-play or resetting emotions after encountering an upsetting situation.
De-stress for Success
Life will always throw challenges your way, but the biggest challenges present opportunities for the greatest rewards. So, what’s the best way to manage stress? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some of the ways that work best for me.
Stress to Success: How to Use "Good Stress" to Succeed in Competition
Stress is often perceived as a negative experience, but the right kind of stress can actually fuel your success in competition and beyond. Read on to learn about "good stress", how to distinguish it from the bad and ways you can harness it to take your competitive edge to the next level!
Work Out the Stress
Today’s teens pack a lot into their busy schedules, which has caused stress levels and anxiety to increase in recent years. D’Andre Vasquez, DECA’s 2019-2020 High School Division President, discusses how he handles the stress in his life and how you can too!
How to Fight Off Zoom Fatigue
Whether it’s trying to combat Zoom fatigue or attempting to deal with the strain and stress that comes from staring at a screen all day, here are three tips to help you de-stress in an age of virtual living.
Take the Stress Out of DECA Scholarship Applications
Each year, DECA awards over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving high school and college members. Here are five tips to help take the stress out of applying for DECA scholarships.
5 Tips to Take Your Productivity to the #NextLevel
Schoolwork, volunteering, extracurricular activities, DECA... can you really do it all without endless all-nighters? We think so! Check out five of our favorite ways to level-up your schedules, to-do lists and priorities for peak productivity.
Managing Stress as a Small Business Owner
After six years as a small business owner and entrepreneur, I’ve adapted a few habits and philosophies that have helped me along the way. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Good Stress, Bad Stress: Find Your Sweet Spot
We all experience stress on a daily basis, but the amount we experience depends on how well we cope with the various stressors in our lives. Here are a few tips to help you identify good versus bad stress and find the perfect balance.
2020 DECA Pumpkin Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of DECA's Annual Pumpkin Contest! This year's contest had a record-shattering 530+ submissions from members all across the DECA world. The selection process was not easy, but the members have voted and we are excited to announce the top three winners in each category!
