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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.

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

Take the Stress Out of DECA Scholarship Applications

Nov 3, 2020

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.

Leadership

5 Tips to Take Your Productivity to the #NextLevel

Nov 3, 2020

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.

Career Insights

Managing Stress as a Small Business Owner

Nov 3, 2020

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.

Leadership

Good Stress, Bad Stress: Find Your Sweet Spot

Nov 3, 2020

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.

Spotlights

2020 DECA Pumpkin Contest Winners

Nov 2, 2020

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!

Leadership

November is Native American History Month

Nov 1, 2020

November is National Native American History Month. Here are three ways that you can celebrate.

College Success

Virtual College Search Tips for Finding Your Dream School

Oct 27, 2020

Whether you are doing initial research and creating your list of potential colleges or you are a senior getting ready to apply, this guide will help you find useful resources to aid you in your college application and decision process.

Leadership

Top Tips to Stay on Top of Your To-Do List

Oct 27, 2020

Are you struggling to stay focused and get your work done? If the answer is "yes," then you are in the right place! Read on for five tips to help you stay on top of your to-do list during the school year.

Leadership

Manage Your Tasks Like a Pro

Oct 27, 2020

Do you ever feel like you are racing against the clock to meet deadlines and complete assignments? If you struggle with procrastination, a task management plan will help you focus on the task at hand. A simple change in habits could make a gigantic difference!

Spotlights

Wisconsin DECA’s Trick-or-Can: A Behind the Scenes Interview

Oct 26, 2020

Nate Jacobs, DECA's Central Region Vice President, caught up with Sam Fischer from Wisconsin DECA about one of the association's most popular community service events—Trick-or-Can.

Chapter Strategy

Community Service: COVID-19 Style

Oct 26, 2020

If anyone knows how to participate in community service, it's DECA members! Even in the middle of a pandemic, we continue to create new, socially-distanced ways to impact our communities.

Leadership

Inclusion, Access, Equity & Diversity: CTE Learners Discuss

Oct 20, 2020

Educators often discuss how to ensure career and technical education (CTE) programs are more inclusive, accessible, equitable and diverse, but how often do we discuss this topic with learners, the individuals most affected?