What is DECA?

DECA provides visibility and support and is an important tool in the advocacy of high school marketing, finance, management, travel & tourism, and entrepreneurship program and in highlighting student achievement and success.

DECA is the only student organization operating in 50 states, the U.S. Territories, Canada, Mexico, Germany and other countries and attracts individuals to productive careers in marketing, management, merchandising, travel/tourism, and entrepreneurship. It is a co-curricular organization and serves as an integral part of the classroom instructional program.

Any student enrolled in marketing-related education where there is a DECA chapter can join DECA. In schools where there is no marketing class, chapters can be organized through classes that are related to marketing (i.e. entrepreneurship, Travel and Tourism Academies, etc.). In classrooms throughout the country, students form their own chapters and elect their own officers. Marketing education teachers/coordinators serve as individual chapter advisors. DECA chapters are self-supportive, with members paying chapter, state association, and national membership dues.

DECA advisors and chapter members take an active part in the development and growth of the communities in which they live and work. Students learn, while still in school, vocational understanding necessary to compete in marketing, management, merchandising, and entrepreneurship careers. These career-oriented young people are actively involved in creative marketing projects directly related to the careers of their choice.

DECA chapter activities contribute substantially to the primary purpose of school to develop well-educated citizens who have self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership ability, and an understanding of the American Free Enterprise System. DECA chapters are invariably "showcases" for student achievement and progress, reflecting favorably on teachers, DECA advisors, and school administrators at both the local and state level.

DECA's Guiding Principles

DECA's Comprehensive Learning Program
(1) Integrates into Classroom Instruction-activities provide authentic, experiential learning methods to prepare members for college and careers
(2) Applies Learning-members put their knowledge into action through rigorous project-based activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes.
(3) Connects to Business-partnerships with businesses at local and broader levels provide DECA members realistic insight into industry and promote meaningful, relevant learning.
(4) Promotes Competition-as in the global economy, a spark of competition drives DECA members to excel and improve their performance.

DECA Prepares the Next Generation to be
(1) Academically Prepared--members are ambitious, high-achieving leaders equipped to conquer the challenges of their aspirations.
(2) Community Oriented-recognizing the benefit of service and responsibility to the community, DECA members continually impact and improve their local and broader communities.
(3) Professionally Responsible-members are poised professionals with ethics, integrity and high standards.
(4) Experienced Leaders-members are empowered through experience to provide effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building and project implementation.