DECA Advisor Organizer 2025-2026

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

GREETINGS!

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! This year, DECA builds on our most successful year ever by encouraging our members, advisors, chapters and associations to GO THE EXTRA with DECA.

As a DECA advisor, you have unparalleled access to support and resources to integrate DECA into your classroom and create a powerful instructional environment for your students. All of DECA’s educational programs are aligned with National Curriculum Standards and 21st Century Skills, allowing you to truly make DECA cocurricular within your programs of study.

The premier Career and Technical Student Organization for business management, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and marketing, DECA offers our members and advisors high-quality educational experiences through our comprehensive learning program. From competitive events to chapter campaigns, to leadership development and educational conferences, there’s something for every learner.

It’s no secret that DECA advisors are often the teachers who students remember long after graduating. On behalf of the DECA Inc. staff, thank you for your commitment and service as a DECA advisor and for empowering our members to GO THE EXTRA by engaging in DECA. Please reach out to any of our dedicated staff if we can be of any assistance. deca.org/staff

Frank Peterson, CAE Executive Director DECA Inc.

Christopher Young, CAE Chief Program Officer DECA Inc.

Dates By Topic

In 2025-2026, DECA challenges members to GO THE EXTRA.

As emerging leaders, you know that success is more than just meeting expectations—it’s about exceeding them. This year, we dare you to Go The Extra—the extra mile, the extra step, the extra level on the path to achieving your college and career goals.

Whether it’s competing in a new competitive event, working towards THRIVE LEVEL in chapter campaigns, going for GOLD certification with your SBE or developing new leadership skills, now is the time to push yourself and Go The Extra.

Get Started With DECA

No question is too big or too small. 1 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5

Communications + Marketing „ communications@deca.org

Comprehensive Learning Program including Competitive Events „ education@deca.org

Let’s Talk About DECA

Familiarize yourself with an overview of DECA by reviewing “This Is How We Do DECA,” the ultimate DECA guidebook. See page 15.

deca.org/classroom

Get Connected

Connect with your association advisor for information specific to your association.

Your chartered association advisor is one of your most valuable assets in providing you leadership and connecting you to your association’s DECA activities.

deca.org/associations

Understand Advisor Roles + Responsibilities

Learn roles and responsibilities that are special to DECA and how you can make the most impact as a DECA advisor. See page 26.

deca.org/serve

Recruit Members

DECA members are the key to DECA chapters, and our digital recruitment toolkit will help you introduce DECA to potential members through posters, social media and more. Additionally, use DECA’s Chapter Campaigns to guide your chapter’s member recruitment activities. See pages 36 and 74.

deca.org/recruit

Submit Your Roster

Make your chapter members official by registering them in DECA’s online membership system and submitting their dues. See instructions on page 8.

deca.org/register

Educational Conferences „ conferences@deca.org

Membership & Registration „ membership@deca.org

Select Student Leadership Team

Structure, select and train your student officers to help guide your chapter’s members. See page 30.

deca.org/elevate

Develop a Program of Leadership

Design your chapter’s program of leadership to bring together your leadership team, DECA goals and action items for the school year. See page 32.

deca.org/elevate

Implement Your Program of Leadership

Take action on your chapter’s program of leadership to engage your members and achieve your yearly goals through meetings and activities.

deca.org/elevate

Integrate Competitive Events into the Classroom

Develop a framework to use DECA’s Competitive Events Program in your classroom while also preparing your members for competition. See page 24.

deca.org/compete

Attend Educational Conferences

Extend learning beyond the classroom by registering your members to participate in DECA’s educational conferences at all levels. Check with your association advisor for local and association opportunities.

deca.org/conferences

DATES + DEADLINES

AUGUST

11-9.22 Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Fall Survey deca.org/teensurvey

20-21

New Advisor Basic Training Virtual | deca.org/basictraining

SEPTEMBER

8 Stock Market Game Begins deca.org/compete

15 District-Level Instructional Areas Announced decadirect.org

29-10.3 School-based Enterprise Week deca.org/sbeweek

30 Activate Your Chapter Incentive Deadline deca.org/register

30 Virtual Business Challenge Registration Begins deca.org/compete

OCTOBER

9-11

DECA AMPED Advisor Professional Learning Conference San Francisco, CA | deca.org/amped

15 The Ultimate DECA Power Trip Registration Due deca.org/power

14-24 Virtual Business Challenge Round 1 deca.org/compete

NOVEMBER

#DECAMONTH

15 Honorary Life Membership + Outstanding Service Award Application Packets Due deca.org/professionalawards

15 Initial Membership Dues Deadline deca.org/register

17-23 Global Entrepreneurship Week genglobal.org/gew

21-23 The Ultimate DECA Power Trip Arlington, VA | deca.org/power

Ends

|

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

Prepared Entry Submissions Due deca.org/icdc

International Career Development Conference Atlanta, GA | deca.org/icdc

PHILOSOPHY + GOALS

PHILOSOPHY

How are you preparing members for college and careers — both now and in the future?

How will you integrate DECA into the classroom and apply learning?

How will you incorporate aspects in your program to prepare members to become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders?

How will your program align with your local school’s philosophy and state and national initiatives?

How do you plan to connect to business?

What relationship will you foster with postsecondary institutions?

How will you brand and promote your program?

Before the school year begins, take some time to set goals for this year both for your chapter and you professionally. In addition, consider your role as chapter advisor. Develop a personal philosophy that incorporates the purpose of DECA, your role as a teacher-advisor and the role and responsibilities of student members. Use this philosophy as you approach this year teaching, advising your chapter and integrating DECA into your classroom. Record your thoughts so you can revisit them in the midyear and at the end of the year.

GOALS

Membership

Reflect on last year’s membership, and set a goal for your chapter’s membership — students, alumni and professionals.

Chapter

List two or three activities or accomplishments you’d like to achieve with your chapter this year.

Professional

Set at least one goal for you professionally — whether it’s attending a training, learning a new skill or trying a new DECA activity.

LINKS

Classroom Hub deca.org/classroom

Advisor Resource Center deca.org/resources

Brand Strategy Center deca.org/brand

Online Membership deca.org/register

Chapter Strategy deca.org/elevate

Chapter Campaigns deca.org/campaigns

Case Studies in Classroom deca.org/ceinclassroom Competitive Events deca.org/compete

Connect with DECA @decainc on all platforms DECA Direct Online decadirect.org

ONLINE MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM

DUES DEADLINES

Learn about your association dues at deca.org/associations.

INSTRUCTIONS

LOGIN

• Go to www.deca.org/register to log into the membership system.

• Enter your Chapter ID as your username, and password.

CONFIRM YOUR CHAPTER INFORMATION

• When you login for the first time each school year, confirm your chapter’s information.

DECA Inc. November 15 February 15*

*February 15 is the ICDC Competitor Deadline; however, members may be added until June 30. Associations may have earlier deadlines, which supersede DECA Inc. deadlines.

TIP

If you forgot your username or password, click the appropriate Forgot button.

TIP

GRADUATING SENIORS

• Set the Student Password used by your paid student members to access their student portal at www.deca.org/studentportal

• Principal’s Information and CTE (Career and Technical Education) Director’s Information. Leave blank if not applicable.

• Select Your Graduation Preferences.

• Select the highest grade level at your school.

• Select what happens to your graduated seniors at the beginning of the next school year—see options in box to the right.

• Confirm your DECA District, Region or Area. If you do not know, contact your Chartered Association Advisor.

• Confirm your School District. If your district is not listed, contact membership@deca.org.

• Click Confirm to advance to the next screen.

GRADUATE + PROMOTE YOUR PREVIOUS MEMBERS

• Any RED tabs should be clicked first, starting with Graduate

• Students Tab – Graduate

• Click the Select All button, and select one option:

• Click Graduation Completed – Students will move based on what appears in the Graduating School column.

• OR click Drop Selected – Everyone on the screen will move into Inactive Status.

• Students Tab – Edit Students

• Click the Bulk Grade Rollforward button and confirm on the pop-up.

• Click the Bulk Edit Complete button and confirm on the pop-up.

At the beginning of each year, graduate your graduated seniors.

Options for Graduating:

• Move onto the Same Chapter - Select your City and Chapter from the drop-down lists. Use this if you will be joining them the next year as your alumni/ professional group.

• Eligible for Alumni/Professional - Used so that those members can join as an Alumni/ Professional Member and connect back to your chapter or the chartered association.

• Move on to Various ChaptersUsed so that those seniors can join a Collegiate DECA chapter.

PROMOTING UNDERCLASSMEN

Update the grade level of the remaining students from the previous year. If a student is not returning, drop them by clicking the Drop button on the right of the student’s row.

For additional support, please contact membership@deca.org.

CHAPTER + ADVISOR INFORMATION

Chapter Information

• Make any necessary changes from the information populated from the confirmation screen.

• Verify your chapter website and social media.

• Indicate if your chapter operates a SBE (school-based enterprise). If yes, indicate: Food, Retail or Food and Retail.

• Verify your chapter address.

Chapter Advisors

• Update all chapter advisors on this screen. Select preference to receive e-mails from DECA’s partners.

• If a chapter advisor is not joining, make their status inactive, or they will be submitted and cannot be voided.

• Add chapter advisors by clicking on the Add Chapter Staff.

• Chapter advisors will automatically submit when students are submitted.

ADD STUDENT, ALUMNI AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS

• In the appropriate tab (Students, Alumni, Professional), click the Add button.

• The following information is required when adding a student member.

• First Name and Last Name

• Grade In School (5 through 12)

• Gender (Female, Male, Other, Opt-Out)

• Demographic (Opt-Out option)

• Member Title (Chapter Member, Chapter Officer, Association Officer, etc.)

• Years as a DECA member

SUBMIT YOUR MEMBERSHIP

• Click on Students.

• Select the checkbox next to students you wish to submit or Select All.

• Click Submit Membership button.

• Complete the disclaimers and confirmation process to finalize.

TIP

Upload your members using an excel template found in the Bulk CSV Upload section.

Only add members who paid membership dues. Once members are submitted, payment is required. Members cannot be deleted.

TIP

Only submit members who paid membership dues. Once members are submitted, payment is required. Members cannot be deleted.

Note: Unsubmitted chapter advisors will automatically submit with the students. If you do not want to submit them, make their status inactive.

SUBMIT PAYMENT

• Once you have submitted membership, click the Invoice History tab.

• To pay with a check:

• Click the eye under the View column.

• Click the Download button to print.

• Follow your school’s check processing procedure.

• Mail check with a copy of the invoice to: DECA Membership, 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.

• To pay online with a credit card:

• Click the RED Pay Invoices button and select the invoice(s) to pay.

• Fill in all the required fields and click the Pay button.

HOW TO Request Additional Membership Stickers

If your membership exceeds the number of stickers received, click the “Additional Stickers Request” button and enter the number requested. DECA Inc. will verify with your membership and send them to your chapter.

Print Membership Cards

Under the “Students” tab, click “Print Membership Cards,” select paid members, then scroll to the bottom and click “Print Membership Cards.” A PDF will download.

Print Membership Certificates

Under the “Students” tab, click “Print Membership Certificates,” select paid members, then scroll to the bottom and click “Print Membership Certificates.” A PDF will download.

Correct a Misspelled Name

To correct a misspelling of a student member name, click the blue person icon beside the student’s name under the Request Change column. The request will be sent to your chartered association to approve or deny.

Check Your Chapter’s Membership History

Click the down arrow on the Membership Information bar in the top right of your screen to access current year membership compared to previous years.

PROGRESSION OF ENGAGEMENT

YEAR

1

DECA CONNECTS

CHAPTER STRATEGY BONUS

Use DECA Direct’s Question of the Day.

Use DECA Direct’s Case Study of the Week.

Use DECA Case Studies in the Classroom.

Use “DECA At The Bell” video series.

Elect chapter officers. Collaborate with chapter officers to develop a Program of Leadership.

Nominate senior DECA members for the Emerging Leader Honor Award in February or March.

CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS

Complete the Promotional Campaign.

Complete the Membership Campaign – new chapters with 20 or more members instantly earn recognition.

Participate in DECA Month activities in November.

Participate in the Piper Sandler Taking Stock With Teens Market Research Survey

Engage local business and industry for guest speakers or tours. Participate in DECA Challenges that align with your courses.

Engage local business and industry in competitive events preparation.

Utilize the DECA Chapter Strategy Guidebook.

Begin implementing fundraisers.

Complete the Community Service Campaign.

Review your course sequence and offerings, as well as alignment to standards.

Convene a local business advisory board.

Connect all DECA activities to curriculum standards to demonstrate alignment.

Take your Program of Leadership to the next level.

Utilize the Diamond Fundraising Model.

Review your officer selection process to ensure it still meets the needs of your chapter.

Consider nominating members to run for association office.

Encourage your members to apply for DECA scholarships.

Complete two chapter campaigns: Promotional Campaign, Community Service Campaign, or Innovations + Entrepreneurship Campaign.

Complete the Advocacy Campaign.

Complete Thrive Level in the Membership Campaign.

Complete all Chapter Campaigns and Membership Campaign.

There’s no one way to do DECA! The menu below can serve as an annual progressive guide for new chapter advisors to implement DECA programs. However, there are many factors to consider such as history of the chapter, courses offered, enthusiasm of the student members, engagement level of the chapter advisor, support of the school leadership, support of the chartered association, and resources available. The model DECA chapter is one that integrates DECA activities into the classroom to support local curriculum standards. DECA can help you increase your course enrollment, drive engagement, earn recognition, and promote your program and DECA chapter.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

Participate in Principles of Business Administration Events.

Participate in Team Decision Making Events.

Participate in Individual Series Events.

You may focus on events in only one Career Cluster® that best aligns with your courses or student interest.

EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES

Participate in district/region conferences.

Attend “DECA Career Days,” if offered locally.

Attend association-level conferences.

For more classroom resources, visit deca.org/classroom

SCHOOL-BASED ENTERPRISES

If your chapter has an SBE, ensure you are in compliance with your school and district policies

Practice competitive events by inviting business and industry to your classroom to serve as judges.

Utilize DECA+ to help prepare members for competition.

Participate in Integrated Marketing Events

Participate in the Virtual Business Challenge.

Develop competition preparation teams by Career Cluster®.

Attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference.

Utilize the SBE Instructional Units.

If your chapter operates a gold-certified SBE, verify submission type and due date.

Attend association-level conferences.

Attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference.

Review SBE manager selection process and training procedures.

Participate in other prepared events such as the Business Operations Research Event, Project Management Events or Entrepreneurship Events.

Participate in the Stock Market Game.

Attend a regional or career pathway conference.

If your school operates an SBE that is not certified, discuss the certification process with your student managers.

If your chapter does not have an SBE, consider starting one.

Review SBE procedures and determine any necessary changes based on yearly profit and trends.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS PROGRAM

PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION EVENTS

1 participant

Principles of Business Management and Administration PBM

Business Administration Core Exam

Principles of Entrepreneurship PEN

Business Administration Core Exam

Principles of Finance PFN

Business Administration Core Exam

Principles of Hospitality and Tourism PHT

Business Administration Core Exam

Principles of Marketing PMK

Business Administration Core Exam

TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENTS

Business Law and Ethics BLTDM

Business Management and Administration Exam

Buying and Merchandising BTDM Marketing Exam

Entrepreneurship ETDM Entrepreneurship Exam

Financial Services FTDM Finance Exam

Hospitality Services HTDM Hospitality and Tourism Exam

Marketing Management MTDM Marketing Exam

Sports and Entertainment Marketing STDM Marketing Exam

Travel and Tourism TTDM Hospitality and Tourism Exam

INDIVIDUAL SERIES EVENTS

Accounting Applications ACT Finance Exam

Apparel and Accessories Marketing AAM Marketing Exam

Automotive Services Marketing ASM Marketing Exam

Business Finance BFS Finance Exam

Business Services Marketing BSM Marketing Exam

Entrepreneurship ENT Entrepreneurship Exam

Food Marketing FMS Marketing Exam

Hotel and Lodging Management HLM Hospitality and Tourism Exam

Human Resources Management HRM

Business Management and Administration Exam

Marketing Communications MCS Marketing Exam

Quick Serve Restaurant Management QSRM Hospitality and Tourism Exam

Restaurant and Food Service Management RFSM Hospitality and Tourism Exam

Retail Merchandising RMS

Marketing Exam

Sports and Entertainment Marketing SEM Marketing Exam

PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY EVENT

Personal

Literacy PFL Personal

Literacy Exam

BUSINESS OPERATIONS RESEARCH EVENTS

1-3 participants

Present research and strategic plan

INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN EVENTS

minutes interview time Present campaign 15 minutes interview time

Business Services Operations BOR

Buying and Merchandising Operations BMOR

Finance Operations FOR

Hospitality and Tourism Operations HTOR

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations SEOR

PROJECT MANAGEMENT EVENTS

1-3 participants

20 pages allowed 20 pages allowed

Business Solutions Project PMBS

Career Development Project PMCD

Community Awareness Project PMCA

Community Giving Project PMCG

Financial Literacy Project PMFL

Sales Project PMSP

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EVENTS

1-3 participants

20 slide pitch deck

Innovation Plan EIP

Start-Up Business Plan ESB

20 pages allowed

Franchise Business Plan EFB

Independent Business Plan EIB

Business Growth Plan EBG

International Business Plan IBP

project

Integrated Marketing Campaign–Event IMCE

Marketing Exam

Integrated Marketing Campaign–Product IMCP

Marketing Exam

Integrated Marketing Campaign–Service IMCS

Marketing Exam

PROFESSIONAL SELLING AND CONSULTING EVENTS

Consultation or Sales presentation

Financial Consulting FCE

Finance Exam

Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling HTPS

Hospitality and Tourism Exam

Professional Selling PSE

Marketing Exam

ONLINE EVENTS

project

Stock Market Game SMG

portfolio 15 minutes interview time Online simulation

Virtual Business Challenge–Accounting VBCAC

Virtual Business Challenge–Entrepreneurship VBCEN

Virtual Business Challenge–Fashion VBCFA

Virtual Business Challenge–Hotel Management VBCHM

Virtual Business Challenge–Personal Finance VBCPF

Virtual Business Challenge–Restaurant VBCRS

Virtual Business Challenge–Retail VBCRT

Virtual Business Challenge–Sports VBCSP

LET’S TALK ABOUT DECA

Your local DECA chapter is part of a network of local, chartered association and international chapters that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. At the local level, you can choose from an array of learning programs supported by your chartered association and integrate them into your classroom instruction to make learning vibrant and relevant. Here’s a look at how your local chapter connects to your chartered association and DECA Inc.

DECA | A GLOBAL NETWORK

With nearly an 80-year history, DECA has impacted the lives of more than 10 million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals since it was founded in 1946. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

DECA Inc.’s headquarters, located in Reston, Virginia, houses both high school and college divisions and provides services to over 298,000 members in nearly 4,500 chapters in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Germany. DECA Inc. staff members work with chartered associations, the board of directors, the student executive officer team, a program advisory council, the National Advisory Board and others to provide a comprehensive learning program to enhance the DECA experience for advisors and members.

■ deca.org/mission

CHARTERED ASSOCIATIONS

Your chapter belongs to a chartered association, which implements programs and manages chapters in a geographical area — usually a state, province or territory. Your chartered association is one of your most valuable assets in providing resources

and leadership to help your local chapter thrive. Each chartered association has a key leader, known as an association advisor, who can provide support, put you in contact with nearby DECA chapters and connect you to local and chartered association activities. Your association advisor also implements your

MEMBERS

<15,000+

<10,000–14,999

<7,500–9,999

<5,000–7,499

<2,500–4,999

<1,000–2,499

<< 1,000

<Germany

<Hawaii

<Ontario

<Puerto Rico

DECA CHARTERED ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

annual career development conference and leads your delegation to the International Career Development Conference.

Association advisors are key resources for questions regarding membership eligibility, dates and deadlines, conference registration, competitive events and other activities specific to your chartered association.

While DECA Inc. produces guidelines for its Comprehensive Learning Program, competitive events, membership and other activities, many chartered associations select those that best fit their association. It is advised to contact your association advisor for more information.

■ deca.org/associations

YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER

DECA brings your classroom to life while providing a network and support from across your association, the country and the globe. DECA chapters are organized around courses, programs of study, academies or other forms of career and technical education programs.

High school chapters are recognized by the chartered associations, which set eligibility guidelines for membership. In many cases, high school students with interests in marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality or management join DECA when they are enrolled in a course within these content areas that is taught by a teacher who also serves as the DECA advisor. With this close connection to the curriculum, DECA members and advisors are able to integrate DECA activities into the classroom, apply the classroom experience to projectbased activities, connect to business partners at all levels and utilize competition to improve their performance.

All of your students who participate in DECA activities and join at the local level must pay association and DECA Inc. dues. DECA membership gives students access to DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program, the opportunity to attend educational conferences, the benefit of joining a professional organization and much more!

To make your chapter’s membership official, log in to DECA’s online membership system and register your members. DECA student members and advisors pay minimal dues to the chartered association and DECA Inc. annually. The initial deadline for submitting dues is November 15. However, check with your chartered association, as your chapter may have earlier deadlines.

■ deca.org/register

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Perhaps the most significant symbol of our organization is the DECA Diamond. The four points inside the diamond represent the first set of DECA’s guiding principles, while the four outer points represent the second set of DECA’s guiding principles and the polished leaders DECA prepares.

DECA’S COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING PROGRAM

> INTEGRATES INTO CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

An integral component of classroom instruction, DECA activities provide authentic, experiential learning methods to prepare members for college and careers.

> APPLIES LEARNING

DECA members put their knowledge into action through rigorous projectbased activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes.

> CONNECTS TO BUSINESS

Partnerships with businesses at local and broader levels provide DECA members realistic insight into industry and promote meaningful, relevant learning.

> 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

> ACADEMICALLY PREPARED

DECA members are ambitious, high-achieving leaders equipped to conquer the challenges of their aspirations.

> COMMUNITY ORIENTED

Recognizing the benefit of service and responsibility to the community, DECA members continually impact and improve their local and broader communities.

> PROFESSIONALLY RESPONSIBLE

DECA members are poised professionals with ethics, integrity and high standards.

> EXPERIENCED LEADERS

DECA members are empowered through experience to provide effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building and project implementation.

FAST FACTS

• DECA was founded in 1946, and the headquarters was built in 1976.

• Our mission statement is: DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

• Our attributes and values are: competence, innovation, integrity and teamwork.

• The official logo is the diamond.

• DECA has chapters in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Germany and a presence in 13 other countries around the globe.

• DECA has two divisions — high school and collegiate.

• There are over 293,000 members in the high school division.

• There are nearly 5,500 members in the collegiate division.

• DECA offers programs in four career clusters — marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

• Nearly 50 colleges and businesses partner with DECA.

• More than $200,000 in scholarships is awarded annually to members.

• Our website deca.org provides organizational information such as program information and guidelines, while decadirect.org provides news, announcements, best practices and member articles.

• DECA’s main @decainc social media accounts are Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

DECA’S IMPACT

DECA has a tremendous impact on student achievement and prepares members to be college and career ready.

98% of DECA members report they gained skills to improve personal and professional behavior

DECA members are academically prepared students who will enter college with credits and other forms of academic credentials.

98% of DECA members report that they gained skills in problem solving

91% of DECA members report that DECA experiences connected school to the real world for them

91% of DECA members report that participation in DECA prepared them academically for college and a career

GLOSSARY

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CORE

The foundational knowledge and skills that are part of National Curriculum Standards.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)

An instructional program that is delivered through comprehensive programs of study to help students succeed in education and careers.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION (CTSO)

DECA is one of eight CTSOs recognized by Congress and the United States Department of Education.

CAREER CLUSTERS

An initiative by Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work, Career Clusters provide a way for schools to organize instruction and student experiences around 14 clusters and 72 sub-clusters. The four Career Clusters directly relating to DECA are marketing and sales, management and entrepreneurship, financial services, and hospitality, events and tourism.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE (CDC)

These conferences provide a venue for DECA’s Competitive Events Program as well as additional career and leadership development programs.

CAREER PATHWAY

Occupations within a Career Cluster are grouped according to shared commonalities such as knowledge and skill sets or common roles.

CHAPTER

Any unit within a school, chartered by an association, consisting of individual DECA members and at least one advisor.

CHAPTER ADVISOR

The adult charged with the responsibility of providing guidance and counsel for managing and operating the chapter.

CHARTERED ASSOCIATION

Chartered by DECA Inc., these organizations have the authority to operate DECA programs and manage chapters in a geographical region — usually a state, province or territory.

COLLEGIATE DECA

The postsecondary division of DECA.

COMPETITIVE EVENT

A specific industry-validated competition that may involve a combination of an exam, role-play, presentation or simulation in which DECA members compete among individuals and/or teams to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING PROGRAM

DECA’s learning programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition.

CONFERENCES

The official term for district, association or international meetings of DECA.

DECA

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA is not an acronym.

DECA INC.

The legal identity of the adult group responsible for the student programs of DECA.

DECA MEMBER

A high school or college student with career interests in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA members hold membership at the local, association and DECA Inc. levels.

DECA TRANSCRIPT

A document that shows evidence of learning based upon performance in the competitive events program at the International Career Development Conference.

INSTRUCTIONAL AREA

Performance indicators are grouped by similar knowledge and skills known as an instructional area.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE (ICDC)

This is the pinnacle event of the year for more than 25,000 high school students, advisors, businesspeople and alumni. More than 15,000 competitors vie for the title of international champion in DECA’s Competitive Events Program. DECA members not competing may participate in DECA’s Emerging Leader Series, designed to equip them to be successful leaders and to obtain success in their college and career pursuits.

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD (NAB)

Includes representatives from nearly 50 businesses, foundations, associations and colleges and universities. NAB partners provide financial resources, advocacy and a network of professionals to support DECA activities in an advisory capacity at all levels.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM STANDARDS

Specific academic and technical content within a Career Cluster developed through a project led by Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (PI)

A specific work-based action — either knowledge or skills — categorized by instructional area and used in DECA’s Competitive Events Program.

SCHOOL-BASED ENTERPRISE (SBE)

An entrepreneurial operation managed by members as a handson learning laboratory used to supplement, reinforce and enhance the knowledge and skills required for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

SHOP DECA

The official source for DECA-related products, apparel and curriculum materials. DECA Inc. operates Shop DECA from DECA headquarters in Reston, VA.

DECA CONNECTS

DECA is an integral component of a program of courses within the marketing, business management, finance, and hospitality and tourism career clusters, as well as entrepreneurship and personal financial literacy.

The DECA experience starts in the classroom, where students learn business concepts in preparation for college and careers. A powerful instructional component, DECA brings the classroom to life by empowering the teacher-advisor to make learning relevant with educational programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. The successful integration of these four interconnected components, also part of DECA’s guiding principles, results in a strong program that produces college-and careerready students.

INTEGRATES INTO CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

An integral component of classroom instruction, DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program provides authentic, experiential learning methods to prepare members for college and careers.

When integrated into the classroom, DECA activities support the knowledge and skill statements in Career Clusters® and National Curriculum Standards.

The National Curriculum Standards begin with the Business Administration Core, which consists of 13 instructional areas, each with foundational knowledge and skills common to the four career clusters that DECA supports. Each Career Cluster then has its own set of instructional areas and knowledge and skills unique to careers within that cluster. Career Clusters are then separated into Career Pathways, grouping careers requiring knowledge and skills unique to the pathway.

APPLIES LEARNING

DECA members put their knowledge into action through rigorous project-based activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes.

As members learn curriculum concepts, DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program encourages members to apply their learning to realistic, relevant business settings. DECA members solve complex challenges and make decisions and recommendations, all in an authentic business context.

DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program also facilitates the development of 21st Century Skills.

CONNECTS TO BUSINESS

Partnerships with businesses at local and broader levels provide DECA members with realistic insight into industry and promote meaningful, relevant learning.

DECA promotes engagement with business professionals through activities such as competitive events coaching, mentoring, guest speakers, internships and more. Business professionals are knowledgeable sources of industry trends and best practices that can support classroom instruction and applied learning through DECA activities.

PROMOTES COMPETITION

As in the global economy, a spark of competition drives DECA members to excel and improve their performance.

DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program provides opportunities for recognizing members for their mastery of content knowledge and significant contributions to their learning. Whether the recognition is for self-improvement or a competitive achievement, DECA encourages members to develop knowledge and skills to become emerging leaders.

COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING PROGRAM

DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program offers exciting opportunities for classroom activities that connect instruction to college and careers. DECA’s activities naturally support programs of study in the career clusters of marketing, business management, finance and hospitality, giving you tools and resources to incorporate DECA into your curriculum and courses.

DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program enhances the possibility for a greater range of student cognitive abilities to be developed. When using program components as application or extended-learning activities, student members are rigorously engaged in relevant exercises that develop the problem-solving and comprehension skills essential for college and careers. DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program supports the development of 21st Century Skills.

CHALLENGES

DECA and its corporate partners have teamed up to provide classroom activities that challenge members to apply learning in relevant ways. These highly engaging, relevant activities encourage creativity and innovation and allow your members to experience competition from their seats in your classroom.

■ deca.org/challenges

CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS

Engage your members in DECA activities throughout the year using DECA’s Chapter Campaigns as your guide. These campaigns are perfect for developing your chapter’s program of leadership and allow your chapter to gain the recognition it deserves. DECA offers five unique campaigns that will help grow your chapter and build lasting partnerships within your school and community, all with great rewards.

■ deca.org/campaigns

COMPETITIVE EVENTS PROGRAM

DECA’s Competitive Events Program is an incredible tool for your curriculum. As an integral part of the classroom, DECA’s industry-validated competitive events are aligned with National Curriculum Standards. DECA’s robust competitive events program features more than 60 competitive events representing careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, entrepreneurship and personal financial literacy. The potential for travel, recognition and awards for learning classroom content is a tremendous motivator — not to mention the scholarships and cash awards recognizing DECA members for outstanding achievement.

■ deca.org/compete

DECA DIRECT ONLINE

DECA Direct Online is the one-stop location for news, tips and resources for members and advisors, making it an exceptional member benefit. The resource includes information on career insights, chapter strategy, college success, conferences, competition tips, member spotlights, leadership advice, partner opportunities and more. Featured articles include a “Classroom Connection” with discussion questions ideal for use in the classroom. To help prepare for competition, the “Exam Item of the Day” can serve as a daily bell ringer, and the “Case Study of the Week” can be used as a classroom activity. ■ decadirect.org

EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES

DECA conferences are targeted, highlyfocused learning experiences for members and advisors. They bring members into the larger DECA community while providing unique opportunities to extend classroom learning. Each of DECA’s conferences connects with corporate professionals to engage members in learning industry-related trends and content. Conferences take place at the local, association, regional and DECA Inc. levels. There are four major types of conferences.

• LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES

Usually held in the summer or fall, these conferences focus on leadership development and college and career preparation through a variety of engaging workshops and speakers.

• CAREER PATHWAYS CONFERENCES

Each of these conferences features highly specialized content that aligns with specific career pathways and courses, providing an excellent opportunity to connect classroom instruction to the conferences.

• CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCES (CDCs)

Usually held in the winter and spring, these conferences provide a venue for DECA’s Competitive Events Program as well as additional career and leadership development programs. Chartered associations host their own CDCs to determine which members earn the opportunity to represent them at the International CDC.

• INTERNATIONAL CDC (ICDC)

This is the pinnacle event of the year for more than 15,000 competitors vying for the title of international champion in DECA’s Competitive Events Program. DECA members not competing may participate in DECA’s Emerging Leader Series, designed to equip them to be successful leaders and to obtain success in their college and career pursuits. Other highlights include executive officer elections, as well as networking opportunities with hundreds of business, college and career partners in DECA’s exhibits. Although this conference is managed by DECA Inc., local chapters register to attend through their chartered association.

■ deca.org/conferences

EMERGING LEADER SERIES

The DECA Emerging Leader Series strives to empower DECA members to provide effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building and project implementation. Aligned with 21st Century Skills in the areas of critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation, DECA’s Emerging Leader Series prepares DECA members to be effective leaders.

DECA’s Elevate modules focus on DECA’s Chapter Strategy. These modules provide the framework and resources to develop a chapter in a business-like context, helping members apply learning. In addition to digital modules, there are five academies available annually at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Two academies, Elevate and Empower, are available annually at the Emerging Leader Summit (ELS).

■ deca.org/emergingleaders

PARTNERSHIPS

DECA’s more than 50 partners provide scholarships, classroom presentations and career guidance, internships, work experience and community service activities. DECA’s partners provide visibility and support to DECA’s mission.

■ deca.org/partners

RECOGNITION

DECA recognizes its members through a variety of recognition programs for distinguished achievement as academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders.

■ deca.org/honoraward

SCHOLARSHIPS

DECA’s scholarship program provides more than $200,000 in scholarships to DECA members each year. Many corporate partners of DECA provide scholarships through the DECA scholarship program. DECA Inc. administers the program based on guidelines set by the donor. DECA scholarships are strictly merit-based.

■ deca.org/scholarships

SCHOOL-BASED ENTERPRISES

School-based Enterprises are entrepreneurial operations in a school setting that provide goods/services to meet the needs of the market. SBEs are hands-on learning laboratories, managed by students, that provide practical learning experiences to reinforce classroom instruction. SBEs reinforce and enhance the knowledge and skills needed for careers in marketing, entrepreneurship finance, hospitality and management. For many members, SBEs provide the first work experience; for others, they provide an opportunity to build management, supervision and leadership skills. DECA provides a rigorous certification program and access to best practices and vendors.

■ deca.org/sbe

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

DECA’s Competitive Events Program is an incredible tool for your classroom. As an integral part of the classroom curriculum, DECA’s industry-validated competitive events are aligned with National Curriculum Standards in the career clusters of marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism, as well as personal financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

DECA’s competitive events provide authentic learning situations related to current business practices and that are designed to evaluate members’ knowledge and skills through an interactive component with an industry professional serving as a judge.

DECA’s competitive events support members’ development of 21st Century Skills, such as creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication and collaboration. As a result, DECA’s competitive events directly contribute to every member being college and career ready when they graduate from high school.

■ deca.org/compete

USING DECA’S COMPETITIVE EVENTS IN THE CLASSROOM

With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business.

CASE STUDY EVENTS

As teaching tools, DECA’s case studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for members to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase the rigor of instruction, result in evidence of learning and expose members to DECA—all as part of classroom instruction.

Each case study supports a specific career cluster and primary instructional area that is identified at the top of the first page of the event.

As you teach different instructional areas during the year, use corresponding and case studies as learning tools. Although the traditional competitive event setting requires interaction with judges, many advisors have used case studies as:

• Warm-up activities at the beginning of classes

• Writing exercises that require students to write their ideas for solving the problem presented in the case study

• Public speaking exercises that require students to deliver an oral report or recorded video that presents their ideas for solving the problem presented in the case study

• Assessment tools in lieu of a multiplechoice quiz/test

Since the evaluation form for each case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’ performance according to the National Curriculum Standards, which are industry validated and aligned with career clusters.

PREPARED EVENTS

DECA’s prepared events increase relevance of learning by providing practical experiences for members, and they provide rigor by requiring high-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through the written entry and presentation, members also develop both academic skills and 21st Century Skills.

Many DECA advisors use prepared events to facilitate learning through a classroom project that can then become a DECA competitive event entry. For example, advisors have used the Business Operations Research Events as a major project in an advanced business or marketing class or the Integrated Marketing Campaign when teaching marketing communications. Here are some suggestions for integrating DECA’s prepared events into classroom instruction:

• Introduce the project early in the semester and make the final product due at the end of the semester. Match the event’s objectives with course competencies (performance indicators) and the appropriate section of the competitive event.

• Design the development of the prepared entry into micro-learning activities, with timelines, that align with daily lessons, rather than just giving members a set of competitive event guidelines. Together, these assignments can then be developed into the prepared entry.

• Provide students with feedback at each critical point or section during the project by developing more specific grading rubrics corresponding to each section of the project. This feedback will help students improve their project as they move forward and prepare the final competitive event entry.

CATEGORIES OF COMPETITIVE EVENTS

DECA’s competitive events are organized into three broad categories—case study events, prepared events and online events. Within each category and event type, DECA offers a variety of options in each of the four career clusters—marketing, finance, hospitality and management, as well as entrepreneurship.

CASE STUDY EVENTS

• Principles of Business Administration Events are for individual first-year high school DECA members. The member is asked to explain several core business concepts.

• Team Decision Making Events are two-person team events with on-site case studies that challenge participants to analyze elements essential to the effective operation of a business in a career area.

• Individual Series Events are individual member events that pose business challenges with role-plays set in specialized career areas.

• The Personal Financial Literacy Event is designed to measure members’ ability to apply reliable information and systematic decision making to personal financial decisions.

These events involve a multiple-choice exam and a case study interaction with a judge. They are classified by industry and career cluster. See the DECA Guide for exact offerings and guidelines.

Performance indicators are the basis of the content of the career cluster exams and interactive component for each of these events. Performance indicators, much like the objectives in your curriculum, are specific knowledge/skills categorized by instructional area. In preparation for these events, members should download the performance indicators for each event at deca.org/compete. There is a strong likelihood that the instructional areas and performance indicators are already part of your curriculum, thus helping your members attain knowledge for the competitive events in your classroom.

PREPARED EVENTS

• Business Operations Research Events challenge members (individually or in teams of up to three) to design and conduct research to present findings and a strategic plan on a topic that changes annually.

• Project Management Events encourage members (individually or in teams of up to three) to use project management skills to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close an actual project.

• Entrepreneurship Events allow members (individually or in teams of up to three) to explore entrepreneurship at a variety of stages — from concept to growth strategy.

• Integrated Marketing Campaign Events challenge members (individually or in teams of up to three) to develop an integrated marketing campaign in a specific category.

• Professional Selling and Consulting Events allow individual participants to demonstrate knowledge and skills needed for a career in sales or consulting.

Most of DECA’s prepared events require a written project as well as a prepared presentation. The Integrated Marketing Campaign Events and Professional Selling and Consulting Events also require participants to take a career cluster exam. All of these events should be started early in the school year because of the preparation involved. See the DECA Guide for exact offerings and guidelines.

ONLINE EVENTS

• Stock Market Game

• Virtual Business Challenges

DECA’s online events challenge members in online business simulations. Using an online application, members compete against other members in their region from their seats in the classroom to earn the opportunity to compete at the international level.

RESOURCES

DECA offers advisors and members many resources to help them succeed in the competitive events program.

DECA GUIDE

As the official guidelines book for DECA’s Competitive Events Program, the DECA Guide is your most important resource. It is updated each year and mailed to you in summer. You should, however, ask your association advisor if there are any association-specific guidelines you should be aware of as some associations modify guidelines or offerings of DECA’s events. Although associations may implement the guidelines differently at their conferences, the competitive events are administered according to the DECA Guide at ICDC.

■ deca.org/guide

DECA.ORG

The DECA website provides guidelines, performance indicators, sample exams and sample events for all competitive events, as well as sample videos, helpful publications, posters and updates.

■ deca.org/compete

DECA DIRECT ONLINE

The “Compete” section has many articles about all aspects of competition.

■ decadirect.org/compete

DECA+

Shop DECA offers annual subscriptions to DECA+ to assist chapters with career exploration and competition preparation.

■ decaplus.org

ADVISOR’S ROLE

As an advisor, DECA provides you with a powerful array of tools and resources that you can integrate into classroom instruction and bring your classroom to life as you prepare members for college and careers. The most successful teachers and DECA advisors take advantage of DECA’s instructional activities by using them in class to apply learning, connect to business and promote competition — a key motivator for members.

DEVELOPING YOUR PHILOSOPHY

One of your first responsibilities in serving as a DECA advisor is giving thought to how you will integrate DECA in your classroom. Develop a personal philosophy that incorporates the purpose of DECA, your role as a teacheradvisor and the role and responsibilities of student members. Use this philosophy as your guide as you advise your chapter and integrate DECA into your classroom. Some questions you should consider include the following:

• How are you preparing members for college and careers — both now and in the future?

• How will you integrate DECA into the classroom and apply learning?

• How will you incorporate aspects in your program to prepare members to become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders?

• How will your program align with your local school’s philosophy and state and national initiatives?

• How do you plan to connect to business?

• What relationship will you foster with postsecondary institutions?

• How will you brand and promote your program?

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

You’ll quickly notice that many of the specific responsibilities of serving as a DECA advisor support the work you are already doing as a classroom teacher.

As a DECA advisor, you can use DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program to help you as a classroom teacher:

• Align your curriculum with national curriculum standards.

• Integrate activities that teach or reinforce specific career and academic standards.

• Engage your students in a small learning community and provide opportunities for leadership.

• Facilitate career preparation and goal setting among your students.

• Involve business leaders in various advisory roles and integrate the expertise of business leaders into classroom activities.

• Develop business-based opportunities for students such as internships, field trips and projects.

• Provide support for students to practice their management and leadership skills by incorporating project management into the curriculum.

• Communicate curriculum standards and the value of involvement in DECA to counselors and administrators to build support for your classes and program.

In addition, there are some roles and responsibilities that are special to DECA. To develop and maintain an effective chapter, a DECA advisor may serve in the following roles on the next page.

The INGENIOUS LEADER empowers chapter leadership to develop and implement an annual program of leadership with meaningful outcomes and also as conducts administrative tasks.

• Develop specific roles and responsibilities for chapter leaders and project chairs.

• Involve members in project planning.

• Develop a strategic plan and annual program of leadership.

• Develop a systematic communications strategy to keep all members involved.

• Keep administrators and staff apprised of the chapter’s activities.

• Maintain various member records — participation, fundraising, emergency contact and so forth.

CONNECTOR

and

• Identify specific target audiences and opportunities for visibility.

• Develop and execute a promotional plan.

• Develop and implement a local marketing plan to generate program enrollment.

• Communicate the impact DECA has on local members.

• Establish a systematic public relations program.

• Position DECA as an active community partner through participation in community service and other events.

FUNDRAISER

The LUCRATIVE

uses learning activities with members to raise funds to support DECA activities.

• Develop and monitor an annual budget.

• Plan and organize sales projects integrated with selling standards.

• Facilitate member fundraising strategies to support individual and chapter activities.

• Coordinate the use of a school-based enterprise to apply learning.

The RESOURCEFUL CONNECTOR has developed partnerships with businesses to provide DECA members realistic insight into the industry and to promote meaningful, relevant learning.

• Involve business leaders in various advisory roles.

• Develop business-based opportunities for members.

• Empower members to develop business partnerships.

COMPETITOR

The VALIANT COMPETITOR integrates DECA’s competitive events into the classroom and uses them to measure mastery of concepts.

• Review standards and relevant performance indicators.

• Integrate preparation with classroom instruction.

TRAVEL AGENT

PROFESSIONAL LEADER

The ANTICIPATING TRAVELER has thought through all aspects of student travel while also being prepared for that possible surprise!

• Demonstrate how the conference or event aligns with your curriculum.

• Utilize travel opportunities as learning activities.

• Develop an understanding of school policies for student travel.

• Obtain appropriate permissions.

• Organize all aspects of travel.

The ASPIRING PROFESSIONAL keeps upto-date on all the latest professional news and industry trends while participating in professional development opportunities.

• Develop an in-depth understanding of and stay current with DECA programs, policies and processes.

• Participate in professional associations.

• Participate in specialized professional development.

DECA’s Professional Learning Series offers high-quality professional development workshops, seminars and resources to improve your performance and fulfill your continuing professional development certification requirements.

Advisors can engage in DECA's Professional Learning Series through in-person and on-demand training. Through these methods, participants learn from DECA staff and peer advisors to grow their local chapters and integrate DECA into the classroom. Sample topics include how to use role-plays and case studies in the classroom, how to use project management in the classroom, chapter strategy and more.

■ deca.org/classroom

On-demand professional learning modules are available in the DECA Advisor Resource Center. In the featured resources section, select the “Advisor Professional Learning” category to access over 100 recorded presentations.

■ deca.org/resources

The SAVVY PROMOTER positions the program to students, counselors, administrators

the community.

FUNDRAISER

ADVISOR RESOURCES

As a DECA advisor, you have access to materials, events and activities that make everything you do in the classroom more relevant. Throughout the year, DECA provides timely resources to help you and your members succeed.

ADVISOR RESOURCE CENTER

Use the resource center to identify activities from DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program and implement them as authentic learning experiences to help DECA members develop and apply skills outlined in your curriculum. Utilize the search and filter features to search by resource type, instructional area, career cluster and more. In addition, advisor professional learning modules are available to assist you in your role as a chapter advisor.

■ deca.org/resources

BRAND STRATEGY CENTER

Browse DECA’s online library of downloadable logos, templates, videos, animations and more to use in your chapter’s recruitment efforts and communications.

■ deca.org/brand

CLASSROOM CONNECTION

Delivered to your inbox on select Thursdays, emails feature a lesson plan or activity easily implemented into classroom instruction. Content may include a video presentation, digital article, online activity or more. Each email is connected to National Curriculum Standards.

■ deca.org/classroomconnection

CLASSROOM HUB

Use DECA’s Classroom Hub to explore ideas and suggested monthly activities, view upcoming events, find resources, discover professional learning opportunities and more.

■ deca.org/classroom

DECA DIRECT ONLINE

DECA Direct Online is the one-stop location for news, tips and resources for members and advisors, making it an exceptional member benefit. The resource includes information on career insights, chapter strategy, college success, conferences, competition tips, member spotlights, leadership advice, partner opportunities and more. Featured articles include a “Classroom Connection” with discussion questions ideal for use in the classroom. The “Exam Item of the Day” can serve as a daily bell ringer, and the “Case Study of the Week” can be used as a classroom activity.

■ decadirect.org

DECA DIRECT WEEKLY

Delivered directly to your inbox each Tuesday, DECA Direct Weekly emails inform chapter advisors of the latest DECA happenings and share articles on classroom and chapter strategies.

■ decadirect.org

DECA GUIDE

The DECA Guide is your year-long resource for DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program, including competitive events.

■ deca.org/guide

DECA WEBSITE

Comprising a wealth of information, DECA’s website is the one-stop source for all DECA programs, information and guidelines.

■ deca.org

SHOP DECA

Branded items for your chapter, as well as DECA+, a teaching resource with curriculum materials relating to DECA’s competitive events and career areas are available through Shop DECA.

■ shopdeca.org

MONTH BY MONTH

The following calendar serves as a guideline of suggested activities for each month. Make changes and add any dates and deadlines listed on your association’s calendar that require action on your part.

JULY

• Develop your chapter’s strategic plan, DECA calendar and budget.

• Examine the DECA Guide and new offerings from Shop DECA.

• Participate in Professional Learning Series activities.

• Put chapter activity and conference dates on your school calendar and begin to request permission to attend.

• Review DECA programs and determine how you can incorporate them into your classroom instruction.

AUGUST

• Connect or reconnect with local DECA leaders, your association advisor and new advisors.

• Introduce DECA to your students.

• Meet with your chapter leadership team to develop the annual program of leadership.

• Verify your information in the online membership system.

• Ask your association advisor about the competitive events process in your association and how to qualify to attend your association career development conference.

• Verify your school-based enterprise’s cycle in the certification process.

SEPTEMBER

• Show the membership video and recruit student, alumni and professional members.

• Introduce DECA’s Competitive Events Program to your members and begin work on prepared events.

• Log in to DECA’s online membership system and submit members’ names.

• Participate in DECA’s online events and activities.

• Plan participation in DECA’s Promotional Campaign, Community Service Campaign and Innovations + Entrepreneurship Campaign.

• Register to attend DECA educational conferences.

OCTOBER

• Continue working on your program of leadership goals.

• Participate in DECA’s online events and challenges.

NOVEMBER

• Celebrate DECA Month.

• Attend DECA’s educational or regional conferences.

• Continue training and practice for competitive events.

• Participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week.

• Submit entries for DECA’s Campaigns.

• Submit your chapter’s initial membership by November 15.

DECEMBER

• Begin working with your members to gather information to complete scholarship applications.

• Conduct a mid-year evaluation of your chapter’s progress.

• Plan and execute a chapter social activity.

• Touch base with your association advisor to determine registration procedures for your association’s career development conference.

JANUARY

• Recruit members who have joined your class during the second semester.

• Ask business professionals to help your members prepare for competitive events.

• Log in to the online membership system and submit members’ names by your association’s deadline.

• Make plans to attend your association’s career development conference.

• Participate in DECA’s online events and activities.

• Polish and submit student scholarship applications.

FEBRUARY

• Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month®.

• Participate in DECA’s Advocacy Campaign.

• Promote DECA for next year’s class registration.

• Verify that all DECA members are on a paid roster.

• Submit DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award applications.

MARCH

• Make plans now to attend advisor professional learning activities in the summer by submitting requests, securing funding and applying for scholarships.

• If attending, submit ICDC registration and housing to your chartered association by their deadline.

• If attending, submit ICDC qualifying entries online by the deadline.

• Continue preparing to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference by arranging travel, raising funds and ensuring competitors have official DECA blazers.

APRIL

• Attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference, including the Advisor Professional Learning Series.

• Celebrate success from ICDC.

• Thank sponsors and mentors for their contributions to your members who attended ICDC.

MAY

• Conduct an annual evaluation of your DECA chapter with your chapter leadership team.

• Encourage graduating members to explore Collegiate DECA.

• Recognize business and community partners.

• Recognize members’ contributions and achievements.

• Download DECA performance reports for ICDC competitors.

• Select new chapter leadership team members.

JUNE

• Schedule a meeting with your outgoing and incoming chapter leadership teams for a training and transition session.

• Send an end-of-year report and pride points to faculty, counselors, administrators and business partners.

• Train new chapter leadership team members.

CHAPTER STRATEGY

Effective DECA advisors use strategy to develop an intentional plan to create a strong DECA chapter. DECA’s Chapter Strategy provides the framework and resources to develop your chapter in a business-like context, helping your members apply learning. Think of your DECA chapter as a small business or corporation—complete with a leadership team, goals, a program of leadership and project management techniques, all supporting DECA’s mission.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Effective student leadership is essential to the success of your DECA chapter. Just like in business, it’s important to identify roles and responsibilities for key leaders that have a purpose in supporting the overall mission and goals of your DECA chapter. When developing your student leadership team, consider the functions of your DECA chapter and identify positions that will achieve those goals.

DECA’s mission-based leadership positions reflect a corporate leadership structure. As emerging leaders, DECA encourages chapters to practice real-world leadership by adopting a structure that mirrors business and industry. DECA leadership positions are aligned with the DECA mission to ensure that each aspect of the mission is represented with leadership. Depending on your chapter’s size, each leadership position can be organized into teams and committees to give more members opportunities to develop leadership abilities and engage in chapter activities.

SELECTION PROCESS

After you have identified the leadership positions within your chapter, you must then determine how you will select members to serve these key roles throughout the year. The advisor and the members should recognize the importance of choosing leaders who can effectively fulfill their responsibilities to grow the chapter and achieve its goals. You should consider the important components in a selection process and develop a clear, written description of how the selection process will be managed.

The process may include a combination of various selection criteria.

• Written application. Includes the potential officer’s qualifications, explanation of desire to serve or an essay of their leadership abilities, a letter of recommendation, and student and parent signatures supporting a code of conduct and expectations.

• A scored interview with a nominating committee. This could be a panel of outgoing officers, faculty or DECA alumni.

• An exam on DECA knowledge and leadership.

It is important to avoid an election process that resembles a popularity contest in which leaders are elected with little or no consideration given to leadership characteristics.

It is also important for students to be involved in the selection process, but they shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing your chapter leaders. Involving chapter members helps them understand the qualities of leaders, their commitment and the roles and responsibilities of those elected.

■ deca.org/elevate

LEADERSHIP TEAM

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management

CEO (Chapter Advisor)

PRESIDENT

Practices the “entrepreneurial” and “management” elements of DECA’s mission statement. Responsible for connecting with chartered association officers and establishing chapter vision, management and organization that ensures each chapter officer has the training, support, accountability and resources to deliver a powerful DECA experience for each DECA member.

VP OF LEADERSHIP

Practices the “emerging leaders” element of the DECA mission. Responsible for all non-competitive event career and leadership activities.

VP OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Practices the “careers” element of the DECA mission. Responsible for chapter participation, preparation and performance in competitive events.

VP OF MARKETING

Practices the “marketing” element of the DECA mission. Responsible for initial member recruitment, branding and promotions.

VP OF FINANCE

Practices the “finance” element of the DECA mission. Responsible for chapter budgeting, accounting and fund development efforts.

VP OF HOSPITALITY

Practices the “hospitality” element of the DECA mission. Responsible for connecting members to a welcome, value-filled, fun educational experience.

INTRODUCING DECA TO YOUR STUDENTS

Some ideas for introducing DECA are below.

• Show DECA’s promotional membership video, review the criteria for DECA membership and share the possibilities that come from joining the organization. Give students information about how to join, including dues, deadlines and a calendar of activities.

• Find one of DECA’s role-plays that supports a classroom concept you just covered. Have your students independently write a solution to the role-play, and then pair up your students and have them take turns being the participant and the judge. After they’ve completed the activity, explain how it’s similar to DECA and how they can earn recognition and awards.

• Talk about professional development and the importance of joining professional organizations. Discuss DECA’s mission statement and guiding principles, and then have students brainstorm ways DECA could help them advance their college and career goals.

• Use DECA Direct Online as a classroom activity, either with a specific article that features a classroom connection or as a broader professional development resource. Students can stop back each day to test their knowledge with a unique exam item from DECA’s competitive events.

• Use DECA’s Leadership Styles with your students so they can understand their approach and style to leadership, whether they are drivers, energizers, caretakers or analyzers. This tool will help students understand their style and the styles of others. DECA’s Leadership Styles allow them to make more significant contributions, recognize how to leverage the leadership of others and work cooperatively to positively influence people and situations to achieve value and growth.

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Through either an interview process or a written essay, you may ask candidates vying for a position on the chapter leadership team to respond to the following questions:

• Which guiding principle of the DECA Diamond is important to you and why?

• What makes a good leader?

• Do you feel you have a special quality that helps in achieving your goals?

• Do you have any personal/business obligations that may hinder your performance as a member of the chapter leadership team?

• How do you generate energy and enthusiasm in people?

• What difference do you see in yourself when you’re in a leadership position?

• What is your definition of success?

• What person in your life has been most influential to you?

• What three things in your life are most important to you?

• What are your goals in the next five years?

• What is the biggest challenge facing DECA?

• If you could be any leader in the world, who would you be and why?

• A friend has worked on a project for DECA’s competitive events and asks you to read it. You think it needs much improvement. What do you say?

• If you could present the world with one gift, what would it be?

• How would you describe your leadership style?

• What is the most important quality a leader should possess?

DECA LEADERSHIP STYLES

The DECA Leadership Styles assessment allows your members to discover insights into who they are as a leader. Members will identify their sweet spots and blind spots as a DECA leader.

■ deca.org/elevate

DECA GOALS

DECA Goals provide a menu of suggested DECA chapter activities from DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program. DECA Goals reflect a corporate style of goal setting that assigns a goal range or “targets” that everyone strives to achieve. Setting ranges of success for goals helps define the “baseline” expectation as well as the next progressive levels of success the chapter aims to achieve. The four levels are as follows:

• Duty—This is the minimally acceptable and relatively easy level of success for your chapter.

• Exceptional—This level can be reached if the chapter is really organized, committed and well-trained.

• Champion—This level is thought of as the “best in class,” representing extraordinary leadership.

• Actual—This column is used to record current and final progress.

■ deca.org/elevate

PROGRAM OF LEADERSHIP

The DECA Program of Leadership brings together the leadership team, DECA goals and action items for the year into one strategic leadership plan. The program of leadership provides a comprehensive plan of the chapter’s goals and activities for the school year. Each goal is aligned with a mission area, assigns overall responsibility to a leader and indicates the key project initiatives, success criteria, time frame and project leaders.

■ deca.org/elevate

CHAPTER MEETINGS

To keep members engaged and regularly attending, chapter meetings should be meaningful, productive and purposeful. Goals for chapter meetings may include the following:

• To provide leadership, direction and motivation for members.

• To plan various activities outlined in the program of leadership.

• To set up committees to implement various projects.

• To provide professional development activities for members, such as leadership development activities, guest speakers or field trips.

• To provide opportunities for structured competitive events preparation.

DECA LEADERSHIP TOOLS

DECA provides leadership tools to equip chapter leaders to effectively perform their duties and develop a strong chapter. ■ deca.org/elevate

DIAMOND FUNDRAISING MODEL

Just like businesses have financial growth plans, DECA chapters also need to create financial plans that support forecasted expenses, identify possible revenue sources and diversify access to financial resources. The Diamond Fundraising Model provides a framework for chapters to identify funding opportunities from four major sources of income—personal selling, events and activities, partnership and local advocacy.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

There are three steps to creating a strategic communications plan for your chapter: create content, share content and drive engagement. Create a monthly content calendar that matches chapter activities for each month to potential articles and DECA members responsible for writing them. DECA members can then write the articles and submit to decadirect.org. Then, using social media and other communications channels, those articles can be shared with chapter members. Finally, to drive engagement, use social media to interact with chapter members.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS SUPER SUCCESS SYSTEM

As in the global economy, a spark of competition drives DECA members to excel and improve their performance. DECA’s Competitive Events Super Success System provides a framework to formulate a chapter’s plan for preparing members for DECA’s Competitive Events Program.

CHAPTER ACCOUNTABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

Becoming a great leader, let alone being a leader of leaders, takes development of accountability and productivity. DECA provides suggestions of proven productivity and accountability hacks to help members lead better, manage more and be more accountable.

I AM DECA: HOW TO SHARE YOUR STORY

Through the “I am DECA” tool, members learn how to craft a response to the question, “What is DECA?,” that showcases their unique DECA experience and tells their personal DECA story.

EVALUATION

After major activities and at the end of the year, the chapter advisor, chapter leadership team and members should engage in evaluation activities. As part of the overall process, members’ learning is extended when they reflect on the entire activity and its outcomes. Evaluate and debrief each activity to identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, especially as you make future plans. Keep a running log of notes throughout the year, so that your constructive evaluations of what worked and what needed improvement are carried over to next year’s activities. Challenge your chapter leadership team to develop a series of “pride points” describing quantitative outcomes of the chapter.

FIVE TIPS FOR WRITING AWESOME DECA DIRECT ONLINE ARTICLES

To make DECA Direct as resourceful as possible, consider the following tips when you’re writing articles:

1. Be Timely—Make sure your articles and topics coincide with what your audience is focusing on at that time. If you want your articles to be read, then you must make them relevant to your readers.

2. Be Brief—Your articles do not need to be more than one Word document page. Make sure you have short sentences, as well. This makes it easy to glance down the screen and read the page and will also encourage more readers to share your article.

3. Be Social—Add links whenever possible to your chapter’s website or social media profiles to help readers better connect.

4. Be Visual—If you have an highresolution image you would like to share in your article, make sure you send it with your document. Articles with photos are the best for sharing, so always consider which image you want to use.

5. Be Listy—The best articles are ones that break down the main points into numbered lists or easy-toread bullets. “Top 10” or “Best 5” are great ways to get your readers interested in and clicking on your link.

■ decadirect.org/submit

GAINING SUPPORT

Savvy DECA advisors understand that having the support of people outside their program in the school and in the local community can make their jobs easier and take their program to a higher level. While you are taking steps to build your program internally, don’t forget to cultivate support within the school as well as beyond the school.

WITHIN THE SCHOOL

There are three groups within the school whose support should be cultivated: administrators, faculty and staff members, and parents.

ADMINISTRATION

One of your top priorities as a DECA advisor should be to develop a supportive relationship with your administration, ensuring your principal, counselor, superintendent and school board understand that DECA is integral to helping achieve academic and other school goals.

FACULTY AND STAFF

Another key group whose support will help make your job easier is the faculty and staff. Without knowing what DECA is all about, other teachers can become resentful when DECA activities take members out of class or conflict with other events on the school calendar. As you do with administrators, take time to ensure that faculty and staff members understand how DECA activities support and enhance other curriculum areas and help members achieve academically.

PARENTS

Parents who are aware of DECA and the opportunities it offers to members can be one of your best recruiting tools. They will want their students to take advantage of what your chapter provides. Once members are involved, parents become one of your primary sources of support. Their employers may also be tremendous sources of industry support as guest speakers, field trip hosts and mentors.

BEYOND THE SCHOOL

Community members will be supportive of your chapter when they realize that DECA has prepared its members to be community oriented and professionally responsible. Engagement with local businesses, community organizations and local media will build support for your program.

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Business people in your community can play a crucial role in the success of your chapter. They can provide insight into current industry trends as guest speakers in your classroom, help prepare members for competition by practicing role-play scenarios, provide guidance and support to members for a

written event and be resources for work-based learning, employment, internships, mentoring— and more!

When working with a local business, be a contributing partner. Help with projects that benefit the business, such as developing an ad campaign, conducting marketing research or raising money for a cause. These types of projects make the partnership worthwhile for the businesses. Working together, your chapter and the businesses you are involved with can build a mutually supportive network that fosters student achievement and enhances your community.

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

DECA’s National Advisory Board (NAB) is composed of a diverse network of business and education partners who provide strategic advice and support. Learn about DECA’s partners and how they can get involved in your classroom.

■ deca.org/partners

USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT DECA

Social media is an excellent tool to promote your chapter, and luckily, your engaged members can bring your chapter’s achievements and promotions to the next level using innovative communication strategies. Here are some ways to integrate social media into your chapter’s communication plan:

1. Select a member or a team of members from your chapter to manage your various social media accounts. Be sure these individuals understand how to conduct themselves professionally and that all school district policies are followed, if applicable. Work with your social media person or team to develop a weekly or monthly schedule for social media posts so that there will be no surprises when you check your Instagram!

2. Create a Facebook page for your chapter. This a great way to engage parents, administrators and community professionals. Other platforms you should consider include X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

3. Determine the primary social media platform used by your target audiences. Posting announcements about meeting times and due dates on Instagram stories may be the best way to reach your chapter members. Posting competition photos on Instagram or creating events on Facebook may best reach parents, alumni and business partners.

4. Get resources and templates at DECA’s Brand Strategy Center. Browse DECA’s toolkit of downloadable logos, templates and videos at deca.org/brand to use in your brand communications.

5. Aim to post content on your social media sites at least once a day, four times a week. Deliver content that followers will enjoy. Photos of chapter events, spotlights on your business partners, chapter announcements and upcoming events all make great posts that give your audience reasons to like, follow and share.

6. Tell your audience how to find you! If you promote your events through posters, flyers and banners, include icons of the various platforms you use, along with the information needed to find your chapter. Send a link to parents, business partners and administrators. This helps them stay connected and showcases your chapter’s professional communication methods.

7. Follow DECA on all our communications channels to stay up-to-date with activities and news at the DECA Inc. level. Don’t forget to connect with your chartered association through social media.

8. Don’t be afraid of the hashtag! Create a hashtag for your chapter and encourage your members, business partners and parents to use it in all their social media activity! You will be #amazed at the results.

■ Connect with @decainc

BUSINESS ADVISORY NETWORK

A local business advisory network can be an advisor’s secret weapon in developing a strong program by providing strategic advice, professional insight and financial support for programming. Consider inviting local businesspeople to serve on a local advisory network to fulfill some or all of the following functions:

• Reviewing program goals and objectives.

• Comparing student performance standards to business/industry standards.

• Reviewing curriculum and instructional materials for accuracy.

• Contributing resources that are available to their businesses.

• Providing tours, field trip experiences, speakers and judges.

• Publicizing the chapter’s activities in the community, including at school board meetings.

• Performing liaison work with the rest of the business community.

• Arranging job shadowing and mentoring opportunities.

• Advising student competitive event projects.

• Obtaining contributions, including scholarship funds.

• Providing equipment and facilities for specialized learning.

• Conducting job placement activities.

COOL IDEAS

There are so many cool ideas that DECA chapters implement across the globe. Smart DECA advisors quickly learn to get the most value out of one activity. Rather than simply looking at an event as a fundraiser, for example, consider how it can also reinforce learning concepts, build membership or raise visibility for your chapter. If you are looking for new ideas, consider the following activities! Be sure to also look on DECA Direct Online for additional best practices.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership growth is the key to expanding DECA’s impact on your students and the local community. By recruiting student, alumni and professional members, you create a professional learning environment that enhances curriculum and better prepares your members for college and careers.

BE ACTIVE EARLY

Participate in events—such as conferences, social activities, etc.—early so members have a good experience and share it through wordof-mouth with potential members.

DECA GRAMS

Send “DECA Grams” or personal invitations to join your program to all potential members. Invite them to a chapter meeting to meet current members.

MIDDLE SCHOOL WORKSHOP

In the spring, have chapter members conduct an entrepreneurship workshop for eighth graders—your future members.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

Develop a partner sponsorship package to help build your professional level membership and further develop relationships with advisory board and other partners. Offer your business partners professional-level DECA membership, a position on your chapter’s advisory board or free advertising in your school-based enterprise and on chapter t-shirts. Invite them to serve as mentors or speakers in class.

SUCCESSFUL SENIORS

Have your successful seniors talk to freshmen, sophomore and junior classes about why they enjoy your program, the benefits of participating in DECA, the thrill of competition, etc.

RETWEET/SHARE CHALLENGE

Create a hashtag for your chapter to use during recruitment, stick to it and use it frequently. Then, have a retweet or share challenge with a specific DECA photo and hashtag. It can be a great way to reach a large portion of your school.

SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI

Ask alumni to visit with potential students and share their DECA experience and how it has positively impacted their college and career successes. Ask them to consider joining your chapter as alumni members to provide additional support.

EXPAND YOUR FOCUS

Consider inviting students enrolled in marketing, business, hospitality, finance, management and entrepreneurship courses to be a part of your chapter. They can get a lot out of DECA, too!

PARENT INFORMATIONAL NIGHT

Invite parents to an informational session to learn more about DECA and what your chapter has to offer its members. The focus is on helping parents new to DECA understand the level of involvement offered to each member. Parents of current members speak about their experience and what it’s like to be involved as a parent. Parents are offered the opportunity to join the chapter and serve as chaperones or judges at conferences.

“WHAT IS DECA?” VIDEO

Create a promotional video with members answering the question, What is DECA? The video can focus on competition, teamwork, DECA success, community service and leadership. Play the video during DECA Month to help recruit new members, as well as to encourage future members to sign up for a DECA-related course for next year.

RECRUITMENT CONTEST

Have a contest to see which class can recruit the most alumni, business partners and parents to join your DECA chapter.

PROMOTE

Share your DECA chapter’s success story with others. Through DECA, you are creating an environment that supports learning by allowing members to put their knowledge into action through projects and activities. DECA is helping your members connect to businesses and industry leaders who bring meaningful, relevant learning to the classroom. Utilize a variety of promotional activities to showcase your chapter’s success, create a brand for your chapter and develop an awareness and support of your program within your local and extended community.

ADVISORY NETWORK

Create an advisory network of local business leaders and invite them to participate in chapter meetings as industry insiders for guest speakers or to assist in preparing students for competitive events as mentors. Don’t forget to invite them to join DECA as professional members.

DECA MONTH PROCLAMATION

Request a proclamation signing from the mayor that declares November as DECA Month.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Find successful DECA alumni in your community or from your chapter and write a success story. Submit the success story to your local newspaper or share it on your school’s social media channels.

DECA VIDEO

Make your own chapter-specific membership recruitment video or show the DECA promotional video on your school’s communication channels, such as daily announcements and social media channels.

OPEN HOUSE SOCIAL

Organize a breakfast, lunch or coffee with students, parents and/or administrators to share your chapter’s plans and goals.

SBE PROMOTION

Distribute coupons to redeem at your schoolbased enterprise to showcase another exciting element of your DECA chapter.

SHOWCASE IT

Create a bulletin board or showcase in your high school to promote DECA. Display pictures, trophies, posters and upcoming conference locations.

TELL YOUR DECA STORY

Have members attend a local chamber of commerce or school board meeting and share their DECA story.

SILENT DECA FLASH MOB

Engage your members and reach the entire student body by conducting a silent flash mob based upon two of DECA’s Guiding Principles: Community Oriented and Professionally Responsible. During a school-wide assembly, chapter members can speak about the chapter’s community service activities and how DECA helps its members become professionally responsible. Strategically place members in the audience wearing DECA chapter shirts or blazers and systematically stand silently holding signs that share information about DECA.

GET SOCIAL

Utilize social media channels to quickly deliver DECA chapter information to members and your community. Social media allows the leadership team to communicate to large numbers of members, as well as to promote chapter activities to professional, alumni and potential members.

SLOGAN-A-DAY

Celebrate DECA Month by sharing a popular advertising slogan each day over the school’s intercom system. The first student who can correctly identify that company’s slogan receives a prize such as a DECA coupon.

SERVE

Having a chapter that is communityoriented means that your members recognize the benefit of service and responsibility to the community, as well as the impact they have on their local and broader communities.

MDA MIRACLE MINUTE

Designate one minute during a school day dedicated to raising as many funds as possible for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

MDA SERVE DAY

Connect with your local MDA office and learn how your chapter can support a local family by helping with a day of lawn care, babysitting, cleaning or other daily chores.

CHANGE FOR CHANGE

In your school-based enterprise, ask if customers want to donate the extra change from their purchase to charity. If you don’t have a school store, ask a local business to participate. Then, donate the change to a local charity.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE

Organize a drive to collect school supplies to donate to students in your community. Work with the counselors in your school district to discreetly identify students who need the supplies.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY

Work with a local family to provide food and gifts for all family members in celebration of the holidays. Each member makes a donation and chapter officers purchase the food and gifts for the family members.

INNOVATE

Help your members find their inner entrepreneurial spirit by integrating entrepreneurial-related DECA activities into your chapter’s program of leadership. Join thousands of students globally as they celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week each year.

MINI-THON

Conduct a Mini-THON, similar to a dance marathon, to support a cause. This event is multi-hour, interactive, fun-filled and studentled.

ALUMNI ENTREPRENEURS SPOTLIGHT

Find successful DECA alumni entrepreneurs who embody the entrepreneurial spirit in your community or from your chapter and write a success story. Submit the success story to your local newspaper or share on your school’s social media channels.

DECA’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITIVE EVENTS

Have members choose a DECA entrepreneurship competitive event and conduct one activity that is part of that event.

BRING IN THE ENTREPRENEURS

Invite a local entrepreneur to speak at a chapter meeting or during class, or organize a luncheon with entrepreneurial leaders in the community to visit with DECA members.

DECA CHALLENGES

Participate in the DECA Challenges. Have a competition between your classes, other classes or other student organizations throughout the school.

TAKE IT TO THE BOARD

Present an entrepreneurship presentation to the local chamber of commerce, school board or school’s parent organization.

TEENS TALK

Invite local teen entrepreneurs to share their personal experiences with starting their own business. From successes to failures, the entrepreneurs share that it’s never too early to become an entrepreneur.

TOWN BUSINESS TOUR

Organize a small business tour for your members that features a tour of local businesses and a face-to-face discussion with each of the owners. Members learn about each entrepreneur’s individual story and have time for a question-and-answer session.

SBE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION CHALLENGE

Showcase your DECA school-based enterprise (SBE) by creating a special sales promotion challenge. DECA members are challenged to increase traffic and sales in their SBE by creating a customer appreciation event during Global Entrepreneurship Week aimed at teachers. Throughout the week students, on their assigned day, hold sales, host social media “shout-outs” and promote the SBE using a variety of social media channels.

PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS

Work with a local elementary school and serve as mentors providing academic assistance to students who might be falling behind academically. Offer this same service to several freshmen in your high school, helping build confidence and encouraging involvement in school activities.

MENTOR PROGRAM

Invite local business people to mentor members on their entrepreneurship competitive events during a working session.

ADVOCATE

The goal of DECA Advocacy is to showcase the impact that DECA has in preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in your chapter. Celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month© in February by conducting a variety of activities that allow your members to advocate for CTE and DECA.

CONNECT WITH LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Connect with your local chamber of commerce or similar organization to share your chapter’s activities for the year, as well as your success stories by members.

CTE MONTH PROCLAMATION

Request a proclamation signing in recognition of Career and Technical Education Month and DECA from public policymakers.

INDUSTRY GUEST SPEAKER

Ask a business partner, including those on the National Advisory Board, to give an industry expert presentation as a guest speaker.

LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN

Conduct a letter-writing campaign to the Department of Education or state legislators about the impact of DECA and the value of their support.

PROMOTIONAL KITS

Make a promotional kit that highlights the impact of your chapter’s activities and share it with teachers, counselors, principals and superintendents. Do the same for public policymakers.

SCHOOL BOARD AND COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

Deliver a presentation on the impact of DECA to the local school board and/or school administrators. Deliver an impact report presentation to the mayor, city council or state legislators of your community.

SOCIAL MEDIA ADVOCACY

Share the benefits of Career and Technical Education and DECA each day of CTE Month.

CTE FAIR

Host a CTSO fair in February to celebrate Career and Technical Education Month. Ensure that each Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) is represented. DECA members speak one-on-one with potential members and share the impact DECA is having on their members, their school and their surrounding community.

CTE MONTH POSTER CAMPAIGN

Design and place CTE Month awareness posters throughout your school. These posters explain what CTE is, how it benefits students, ways to celebrate CTE Month and why students should join DECA.

FUNDRAISE

Fundraising is an essential component in helping maintain the chapter’s budget and in accomplishing its strategic goals. Without funds, chapter activities are limited. There are many different ways to raise funds, and successful chapters generally try several different approaches each year, be sure you know your school district guidelines for what type of fundraising activities are acceptable.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

Create a sponsor package to propose to local businesses. Members will work to create marketing materials for the business in exchange for a sponsorship or donations.

RESTAURANT NIGHT

Partner with a favorite local restaurant to plan a DECA fundraising event. On that night, a percentage or profit match from the restaurant of the night’s profits will go directly to your chapter.

CONCESSION STANDS

Reach out to your school’s athletic director to schedule a time for your DECA chapter to work the concession stand as a fundraiser.

BACK TO SCHOOL RAFFLE

Work with local businesses to create the ultimate back-to-school basket full of supplies for the school year. Raffle off the basket at your school’s open house or first back-toschool event.

SILENT AUCTION

Plan a silent auction event. Gather donated items and service-based vouchers from local businesses for the auction. Throughout the night, open bidding to attendees and the item goes to the highest bidder.

DECA Direct Online

DECA Direct Online is the one-stop member resource for information on career insights, chapter strategy, college success, conferences, competition tips, member spotlights, leadership advice, partner opportunities and more.

Featured articles include a “Classroom Connection” with discussion questions ideal for use in the classroom. To help prepare for competition, the “Exam Item of the Day” can serve as a daily bell ringer, and the “Case Study of the Week” can be used as a classroom activity.

decadirect.org

AUGUST 2025

Start The Year!

DECA MEMBERSHIP KIT

DECA delivers all the resources you need to showcase “This Is How We Do DECA” in an all-in-one kit to start the school year. Didn’t receive your box? Email membership@deca.org with your name, chapter name and school address to receive one.

RECRUIT

As a new year school year begins, start by showing this year’s membership video to potential DECA members. Begin recruitment efforts to activate your chapter so your student members can participate in all DECA activities. Check out page 31 in “This Is How We Do DECA” for more ideas to introduce DECA to your students.

ACTIVATE

Members must be on an official roster to attend conferences, compete in all levels of competition (district, association and international) and proudly proclaim they are DECA members. DECA Inc. dues are only $8, and your chartered association has its own dues. Many chapters also assess dues to cover local activities or a chapter t-shirt. Association and DECA Inc. dues are paid directly to DECA Inc. Learn more about your chartered association at deca.org/associations.

ELEVATE

Chart a course for the year with DECA’s Chapter Strategy, designed to provide the framework and resources to develop your chapter in a business-like context to help your members apply learning. These modules include DECA Leadership Styles, DECA Leadership Team, DECA Goals, Program of Leadership and more.

TIP

Access digital versions of the contents included in the membership kit. deca.org/welcome

TIP

Visit DECA’s Brand Strategy Center to download logos, templates, videos and more to use in your chapter’s recruitment efforts and social media. deca.org/brand

TIP

Log in early to begin your chapter’s membership. If you need assistance, e-mail membership@deca.org or call (703) 8605000. deca.org/register

TIP

Check out page 30 in “This Is How We Do DECA” and visit Elevate. deca.org/elevate

AUGUST 2025

Compete

Familiarize yourself with the DECA Guide to review the competitive events offerings. Check with your chartered association advisor for any updates to the competitive events process at the association level.

deca.org/guide

Partner

DECA’s partnerships with corporations, foundations, universities and associations enhance the classroom experience by providing real-world application to learning. Some of DECA’s partners host a challenge. Check out deca.org/challenges to consider integrating a DECA Challenge in your classroom.

deca.org/partners

TO DO THIS MONTH

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Connect or reconnect with local DECA leaders, your association advisor and new advisors.

Introduce DECA to your students.

Meet with the chapter leadership team to develop the annual program of leadership.

Verify your information in the online membership system at deca.org/register.

Ask your association advisor about the competitive events process in your association and how to qualify to attend your association career development conference.

Verify your school-based enterprise’s cycle in the certification process.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

Make sure you’re connected with your chartered association advisor, district/ area contact, and DECA Inc. HQ by receiving DECA Direct Weekly emails each Tuesday.

deca.org/associations

Map your chapter’s budget, and begin fundraising early. decadirect.org/fundraising

What are our association’s dues?

When is our association’s deadline for submitting membership?

What are some ideas for introducing DECA to my students?

What are effective strategies for membership recruitment?

What are best practices for collecting dues and submitting my chapter’s membership?

Earn the DECA Glass

DECA’s Competitive Events Program is an incredible tool for your curriculum. As an integral part of the classroom, DECA’s industry-validated competitive events are aligned with National Curriculum Standards. The potential for travel, recognition and awards for learning classroom content is a tremendous motivator — not to mention the scholarships and cash awards recognizing DECA members for outstanding achievement.

deca.org/compete

SEPTEMBER 2025

Introducing Competitive Events

CASE STUDY EVENTS

DECA’s case studies provide a student-centered engagement activity to help DECA members apply learning through problem-based activities that require creative solutions and practical outcomes. While the traditional competitive event setting requires interaction with judges and specific timing, many advisors use case studies in a variety of instructional methods. These are great methods to introduce your students to DECA’s Competitive Events.

PREPARED EVENTS

DECA’s prepared events increase relevance of learning by providing practical experiences for members, and they provide rigor by requiring high-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through the written entry and presentation, members also develop both academic skills and 21st Century Skills. Many DECA advisors use prepared events to facilitate learning through a classroom project that can then become a DECA competitive event entry.

ONLINE EVENTS

DECA’s online events challenge members in online business simulations. Using an online application, members compete against other members in their region from their seats in the classroom to earn the opportunity to compete at the international level.

TIP

Learn more about integrating case studies into your classroom, and access sample case studies by instructional area.

deca.org/ceinclassroom

TIP

Each year, new topics are provided for the Business Operations Research Events, Financial Consulting Event, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling Event and Professional Selling Event. Check the DECA Guide for this year’s topics. deca.org/guide

TIP

The online events take place during a specific window of time. Make sure you check the dates annually. deca.org/compete

SEPTEMBER 2025

Compete

The Stock Market Game kicks off September 8.

On September 15, DECA provides the primary instructional area(s) assessed in each district-level scenario to help advisors and members prepare for the role-play or case study at the first level of competition each school year.

Use the “Case Study of the Week,” posted each Monday in your class. decadirect.org

TO DO THIS MONTH

Partner

Engage your DECA members in realworld marketing research with Piper Sandler, a long-time DECA partner interested in our student members’ opinions. Through the “Taking Stock with Teens Survey,” DECA members take an actual marketing research survey and experience how survey questions are written and data is collected. You’ll receive a copy of the results of the survey to use in a classroom discussion. deca.org/teensurvey

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Show the membership video and recruit student, alumni and professional members.

Introduce DECA’s Competitive Events Program to your members and begin work on prepared events.

Log in to the online membership system and submit members’ names.

Participate in the “Activate Your Chapter” incentive.

Plan participation in DECA’s Promotional Campaign, Innovations and Entrepreneurship Campaign and Community Service Campaign.

Register to attend DECA conferences.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

P.S.

Activate your chapter, and receive a free digital download of competition resources or a $40 discount off DECA+! Submit at least 10 student members and one chapter advisor by September 30. deca.org/register

Delivered to your inbox on select Thursdays, Classroom Connection emails feature a lesson plan or activity easily implemented into classroom instruction. Content may include a video presentation, digital article, online activity or more. deca.org/classroomconnection

Should my chapter start with just one category of competitive events? What procedures are specific to our association for competitive events? How do I help my members select competitive events that are best for them? What logistics do I need to consider when taking students to an educational activity or conference?

Sandler Taking Stock with Teens

DECA Challenges

DECA’s Challenges provide members opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom through innovative challenges in partnership with several corporate partners. Each challenge has a unique focus and specific set of required tasks and timelines. The top performers will receive recognition on-stage at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), with approval from the chartered association advisor.

deca.org/challenges

DECA Connects

OCTOBER 2025

ENRICH THE CLASSROOM

The DECA experience starts in the classroom where students learn business concepts in preparation for college and careers. A powerful instructional component, DECA brings the classroom to life by empowering the teacher-advisor to make learning relevant with educational programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition.

SCHOOL-BASED ENTERPRISE WEEK

School-based Enterprises are entrepreneurial operations in a school setting that provide goods/services to meet the needs of the market. SBEs are handson learning laboratories, managed by students, that provide practical learning experiences to reinforce classroom instruction.

While DECA Month is celebrated in November, activities start the first day of the month so it’s important to get a jump start on planning! DECA Month allows members to share their passion for DECA and connect with other members. It’s also a great reason to use DECA’s Chapter Campaigns to engage current and potential members and recognize key stakeholders who support your DECA chapter.

TIP

Take a few moments to review pages 20-21 in the “This Is How We Do DECA” section of this organizer.

deca.org/classroom

TIP

Showcase your SBE during the daily SBE Week themes. deca.org/sbeweek

TIP

Use the Chapter Campaigns Guidebook to assist your chapter in planning and to demonstrate how the campaign activities align with performance indicators. deca.org/campaigns

OCTOBER 2025

Compete

Members participating in case study events should be immersed in learning as much knowledge in their career area as possible by reading industry articles and practicing with sample case studies and exams. Members participating in prepared events should be at least halfway complete with their project. The first round of the Virtual Business Challenge takes place this month, so make sure your members are registered in the VBC system prior to the start.

deca.org/compete

TO DO THIS MONTH

Partner

If you’re looking for a real-world activity for your classroom, check out DECA Challenges, sponsored by our partners. Consider using one (or more!) of DECA’s Challenges in your classroom to make learning relevant and engaging.

deca.org/challenges

P.S.

Looking for more sample role-plays and exams? Visit the Advisor Resource Center, and search by “Type” (Exam or Role-Play) and then by Career Cluster, Instructional Area or Competitive Event.

deca.org/resources

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Continue working toward your chapter’s program of leadership goals.

Plan participation in DECA’s Promotional Campaign, Innovations + Entrepreneurship Campaign and Community Service Campaign.

Participate in DECA’s Online Competitive Events (Stock Market Game and Virtual Business Challenge).

Participate in DECA’s Challenges.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

What components of DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program are best for integrating into classroom instruction? What is an instructional area? What is a performance indicator? Where can I find them? How are these used in DECA’s competitive events? How can chapter campaigns support DECA Month?

Is there additional recognition from our chartered association for participating in DECA Month?

DECA AMPED Advisor Professional Learning Conference San Francisco | deca.org/amped

School-based enterprise instructional units, each with a lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation, are available in the Advisor Resource Center. These instructional units correspond with the 10 instructional standards and performance indicators of the chapter certification program. deca.org/resources 02 16 09 23 30 03 17 10 24 31 04 18 11 25 01

DECA Month Begins decadirect.org

What’s the hottest item in your SBE? Is it a school spirit hoodie or a delicious beverage? Let us know how you keep this must-have product stocked and promoted.

Celebrate your customers by offering a special deal or featuring your most loyal customers who can’t get enough of your products and services.

How

CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS

MEMBERSHIP

Guide your membership efforts by meeting these goals.

DEADLINE 12.1.25

Earn ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL by meeting the requirements in any one of the categories (students, alumni or professionals) of the Membership Campaign and receive a pennant and certificate.

Earn THRIVE LEVEL by meeting the requirements in any two of the categories of the Membership Campaign and receive a pennant, plaque, flag and two allocations to attend the Thrive Academy at ICDC!

PROMOTIONAL

Conduct these promotional activities from the beginning of your school year through DECA Month.

SCHOOL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

SUCCESS STORIES OF ALUMNI

COMMUNITY SERVICE

COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Conduct a community service activity from the beginning of your school year through DECA Month.

DEADLINE 12.1.25

Earn ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL by meeting the requirements in any one of the DECA Month Chapter Campaigns (Promotional Campaign, Community Service Campaign or Innovations and Entrepreneurship Campaign) and receive a pennant and certificate.

Earn THRIVE LEVEL by meeting all the requirements in any two of the DECA Month Chapter Campaigns (Promotional Campaign, Community Service Campaign or Innovations and Entrepreneurship Campaign) and receive a pennant, plaque, flag and two allocations to attend the Thrive Academy at ICDC!

NOVEMBER 2025

Celebrate DECA Month

CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS

November is DECA Month—the ultimate celebration of all things DECA! Celebrate with DECA’s Chapter Campaigns and earn recognition as you grow your chapter and build lasting partnerships within your school and community. There are also great awards for DECA chapters that attain recognition through DECA’s Chapter Campaigns.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE

The #DECAMonth Social Media Challenge is the perfect way for members to share DECA with their friends and followers. Each day in November, a different DECArelated theme challenges members and chapters to craft the perfect image or video for that day.

TIP

Use the Chapter Campaigns Guidebook to help document your activities to easily complete your online submission. Be sure to take plenty of photos! deca.org/campaigns

TIP

Share your chapter’s activities on social media with #DECAMonth. decadirect.org

NOVEMBER 2025

Compete

Case study competitors should continue to study exam items and performance indicators.

Prepared event competitors should finish their prepared entries. deca.org/compete

TO DO THIS MONTH

Partner

Use DECA’s Innovations + Entrepreneurship Campaign to engage with local business partners and entrepreneurs. deca.org/campaigns

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Celebrate DECA Month.

Attend DECA’s educational or regional conferences.

Continue training and practice for competitive events.

Participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Submit entries for DECA’s Promotional Campaign, Innovations + Entrepreneurship Campaign and Community Service Campaign.

Submit membership for DECA’s Membership Campaign.

Ensure your chapter’s initial membership roster is submitted by November 15.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

Submit your initial membership roster by November 15 in DECA’s Online Membership System. Check page 8 for a step-by-step guide. deca.org/register

What’s the value in participating in DECA’s Chapter Campaigns? How do I submit my Chapter Campaign submissions? What do I need to know about registering for upcoming conferences?

Classroom Connection

With Halloween just taking place and winter holidays beginning, our partners at the NRF Foundation provide research and insights for holiday data and trends. Their robust collection of data, blog posts and infographics are tremendous resources to bring into the classroom for discussion and possibly even DECA activities. nrf.com/research-insights/retail-holiday-and-seasonal-trends

DECA Month Begins decadirect.org

The Ultimate

Power Trip Arlington, VA | deca.org/power

Initial Membership Dues Deadline deca.org/register

Honorary Life Membership + Outstanding Service Award Application Packets Due deca.org/professionalawards

DECA

The Ultimate DECA Power Trip

The Ultimate DECA Power Trip

Connects to Business

School-based Enterprises provide realistic and practical learning experiences that reinforce classroom instruction. For many students, they provide the first work experience; for others, they provide an opportunity to build management, supervision and leadership skills as they prepare for their career. SBEs striving to earn recognition in the Chapter Certification Program should be finalizing their submission this month as they are due January 13.

deca.org/sbe

DECEMBER 2025

Preparing Emerging Leaders + Entrepreneurs

CAREER READINESS

Preparing DECA members for careers is a key element of DECA’s mission. Help your members understand key career readiness skills such as professional etiquette, appropriate business attire, professional networking and conversations, ethical leadership, and how to prepare a cover letter, resumé and LinkedIn profile. In addition to promoting career readiness, all of these activities also promote preparation for scholarship application processes. DECA members can apply for scholarships by January 9. deca.org/scholarships

DECEMBER 2025

Compete

While effective DECA advisors incorporate DECA’s competitive events into classroom instruction, many advisors and members spend time outside of class to study more in-depth and polish presentations. Provide your members with suggested assignments or study materials during the extended break and encourage them to continue preparing. Send performance indicator lists, sample case studies and sample exams with your members for the winter break.

TO DO THIS MONTH

Partner

Business professionals in your community can play a crucial role in the success of your chapter. They can provide insight into current industry trends as guest speakers in your classroom. They can help prepare members for competition by practicing role-play scenarios, or provide guidance and support as partners with members for a prepared event. Partners may also be resources for work-based learning, employment, internships, mentoring— and much more!

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Begin working with your members to gather information to complete scholarship applications.

Conduct a mid-year evaluation of your chapter’s progress.

Plan and execute a chapter social activity.

Touch base with your association advisor to determine registration procedures for your association’s career development conference.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

P.S.

Evaluate your first semester. Come up for air, and step back to see where you stand with your goals for this year. Review your chapter’s program of leadership with your leadership team. Consider where you may need to make adjustments in your teaching. Enjoy your break, because second semester is full of DECA excitement with the competitive events season coming full steam.

How do you evaluate your chapter’s program of leadership mid-year?

What are the two or three major areas I should focus on during the start of the new calendar year?

How can members apply for DECA scholarships?

What competition preparation activities could DECA members do on their own?

If we are doing prepared events, what do we need to know about penalty points?

Classroom Connection

DECA’s exams are rigorous, industry-validated, multiple-choice, 100-item exams based on National Curriculum Standards. DECA currently uses seven exams for competitive events. Each exam item represents a specific performance indicator from the respective national curriculum standards. Exam blueprints that indicate the number of exam items by instructional area are included in the DECA Guide.

Get Going!

DECA’s educational conferences bring our members into the larger DECA community while providing unique opportunities to extend classroom learning. DECA advisors must think through all aspects of student travel while also being prepared for any possible surprises. Download resources including travel tips for advisors and students, a student worksheet, and an informational letter for parents/guardians.

deca.org/advisor-resources/deca-travel

JANUARY 2026

Extend Learning Beyond The Classroom

ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE PREPARATION

Using a travel opportunity as a learning activity allows you to demonstrate how it aligns with your curriculum. As you prepare to travel with DECA members, think through all aspects of student travel while also being prepared for that possible surprise! Develop an understanding of school policies for student travel, obtain appropriate permissions, and of course, organize all aspects of travel. When traveling, your members are representatives of your chapter, school, community and DECA.

While travel can be perceived as fun and time out of class, it is important for everyone to understand the educational benefits of DECA travel.

• Know and understand the focus of DECA learning activities.

• Coordinate opportunities to support classroom instruction.

• Determine the feasibility of travel for your specific DECA program.

• Demonstrate how attending conferences aligns with your chapter’s goals and interests.

• Set expectations among administrators, other school faculty, parents and students early.

• Prepare students for all facets of the travel experience.

• Make educational connections with your students during the educational conference.

• Celebrate achievements and the impact of attending the educational conference upon return.

TIP

Use a checklist of items to cover before, during and after the conference. Setting expectations and communicating them to your members, their parents and your administration is a proactive measure that can make for a remarkable educational experience for everyone.

JANUARY 2026

After months of practice exams, sample case studies, research and rewrites, your members have used their knowledge from your class to prepare to participate in competitive events. Almost ready to face competitors from schools across your chartered association, now is the time to perfect their presentation skills so they exude confidence, expertise and passion when presenting to the judges. decadirect.org/compete

TO DO THIS MONTH

Many of DECA’s corporate partners contribute to more than $200,000 in scholarships awarded to DECA members through DECA’s scholarship program. Encourage your members to review the available scholarships, and submit their applications by January 9. It’s one more benefit of being part of DECA. deca.org/scholarships

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Recruit members who have joined your class during the second semester.

Log in to the online membership system and submit members’ names by your association’s deadline.

Make plans to attend your association’s career development conference.

Participate in DECA’s online events and activities.

Polish and submit student scholarship applications.

Ask business professionals to help your members prepare for competitive events.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

If students have joined your classes this semester, encourage them to become DECA members. The power of DECA membership is that it can be unique to each member. The eligibility deadline for ICDC competitors is February 15, but chartered associations may have earlier deadlines. Review your roster to doublecheck that it includes all your members. deca.org/register

P.S.

What processes do I need to be aware of for competitive events registration? What guidance and best practices do you have for a novice advisor traveling with students?

What are responsibilities of DECA advisors at our association conference? What is the dress code for presenting in front of a judge at the association conference? What can members joining second semester get out of their experience?

The second round of the DECA Virtual Business Challenge (VBC) takes place in January. DECA members who registered to participate in round one may continue to use the same accounts to participate in round two. The DECA Virtual Business Challenge allows DECA members to apply their knowledge in a web-based simulation in eight different career areas. vbc.knowledgematters.com/vbc

Student Scholarship Applications Due deca.org/scholarships

ctemonth.org

FEBRUARY 2026

Promote Your Program

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

During Career and Technical Education Month®, promote DECA and its impact to a variety of stakeholders including your school’s administration, school board, local government officials, Chamber of Commerce and community organizations. You may do so by writing e-mails or letters, hosting a virtual meeting, presenting during one of their meetings or inviting them to a DECA activity.

ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN

CTE Month is also a time to participate in DECA’s Advocacy Campaign! Completing three school outreach activities, three public policymaker outreach activities and three community outreach activities will get your chapter recognized for this campaign. And your community will definitely know you are advocates of DECA and Career and Technical Education!

COURSE ENROLLMENT

It’s true: the school year isn’t over. However, as students begin enrolling in courses for the upcoming year, it’s a good time to enlist your current DECA members to help with recruitment strategies to build your program and DECA chapter. This is a prime promotional opportunity to explain the benefits of your courses and DECA to your counselors and prospective students. Develop strategies to recruit students who aspire to achieve success.

TIP

CTE Month® efforts are spearheaded by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Learn more and access resources at ctemonth.org. You can also access CTSO information at ctsos.org.

TIP

Visit the DECA website to learn more. deca.org/campaigns

TIP

Visit DECA’s Brand Strategy Center to download logos, templates, videos and more to use to promote your program and DECA chapter.

deca.org/brand

FEBRUARY 2026

Compete

With association conferences happening in February and March, this is the time to focus on last-minute preparation for a competitive events victory. deca.org/compete

Partner

Engage your DECA members in realworld marketing research with Piper Sandler, a long-time DECA partner interested in our student members’ opinions. Through the “Taking Stock with Teens Survey,” DECA members take an actual marketing research survey and experience how survey questions are written and data is collected. You’ll receive a copy of the results of the survey to use in a classroom discussion. deca.org/teensurvey

TO DO THIS MONTH

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month.

Participate in DECA’s Advocacy Campaign.

Promote DECA for next year’s class registration.

Verify that all DECA members are on a paid roster by February 15.

Submit DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award applications.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

The membership deadline for members to be eligible to compete at the International Career Development Conference this April in Atlanta is February 15. Double check to ensure all of your members are submitted on your official DECA chapter roster. deca.org/register

How do you incorporate CTE Month into an already busy February for DECA? What are methods for building a brand for a program and DECA chapter that connects with students?

How do you promote DECA to your counselors?

How do you motivate your members to prepare, prepare, prepare and get to the next level? What are strategies for competition preparation while on-site at the conference?

The Super Bowl is always a hot topic during February in marketing coursesespecially Sports and Entertainment Marketing courses. Whether it’s analyzing commercials, discussing ad spend, or reviewing the demographics of viewers, many chapter advisors use the Super Bowl as a featured classroom activity. Check out the NRF hub for more information. nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/super-bowl

Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens

Apply Learning

As members learn curriculum concepts, DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program encourages members to apply their learning to realistic, relevant business settings. DECA members solve complex challenges and make decisions and recommendations all in an authentic business context.

deca.org/mission

MARCH 2026

DECA Connects

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

Now that you’ve had an opportunity to familiarize yourself with DECA’s Competitive Events Program, take a few moments to learn about its connection to curriculum and its framework.

An integral component of classroom instruction, DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program provides authentic, experiential learning methods to prepare members for college and careers. When integrated into the classroom, DECA activities support the knowledge and skill statements in Career Clusters® and National Curriculum Standards. The National Curriculum Standards begin with the Business Administration Core, which consists of 13 instructional areas, each with foundational knowledge and skills common to the four career clusters that DECA supports. Each Career Cluster then has its own set of instructional areas and knowledge and skills unique to careers within that cluster. Career Clusters are then separated into Career Pathways, grouping careers requiring knowledge and skills unique to the pathway.

The Business Administration Core is the foundation of DECA’s Competitive Events Program. As events become more specialized, they are associated with a Career Cluster and possibly a Career Pathway. At each tier, content becomes more specialized, as well. Within each tier, each performance indicator is assigned a curriculum planning level on a continuum of instruction ranging from simple to complex.

TIP

Check out pages 38-39 in the DECA Guide. deca.org/guide

MARCH 2026

Compete

Each March, the district-level case studies and exams are posted as samples at deca.org. These are great resources for your competitors to review while preparing for future competition. In addition, they are available to integrate into your classroom instruction and add to your resource bank for DECA preparation.

deca.org/compete

MDA’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser is supported by thousands to fund Muscular Dystrophy Association’s mission of empowering people living with neuromuscular disease to live longer, more independent lives. Apply your DECA leadership and entrepreneurial skills by participating in the MDA Shamrock Pinup Cause Raiser. All donations for MDA received by March 31 will count towards your chapter’s totals for recognition at ICDC in April. studentservices@mdausa.org

TO DO THIS MONTH

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Make plans now to attend advisor professional learning activities in the summer by submitting requests, securing funding and applying for scholarships.

If qualified to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference, submit registration and housing to your chartered association by their deadline.

If qualified to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference, submit ICDC qualifying prepared entries online between March 25 and April 8.

Continue preparing to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference by arranging travel, raising funds and ensuring competitors have official DECA blazers.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

March 1 is the deadline for membership recognition at ICDC, including largest chapters, largest chapters in each association, chapters in each association with the largest percentage of membership growth, and largest associations. Simply make sure membership is submitted in the online membership system by March 1. deca.org/register

P.S.

What does it mean that National Curriculum Standards and performance indicators are industry validated? Where do you find the best professional development for DECA? What professional development opportunities are there locally and within our association? Our chapter didn’t qualify for ICDC. What can we do to keep our members engaged and finish the year strong? Our chapter qualified for ICDC. What should we do to prepare?

Recognition at ICDC Deadline

Advocacy Campaign Due deca.org/campaigns

Executive Officer Candidate Applications Due deca.org/officers

ICDC Registration + Hotel Rooming List/Deposit Due from Chartered Associations deca.org/icdc

ICDC-Qualifying Prepared Entry Submissions Open

ICDC Blazer Order Deadline deca.org/icdc shopdeca.org

Emerging Leader Honor Award Nominations Due deca.org/honoraward

MDA Fundraising Reporting Deadline studentservices@mdausa.org

deca.org/teensurvey

Piper Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Spring Survey Closes

ICDC-Qualifying

Sandler Taking Stock with Teens Spring Survey Closes deca.org/teensurvey

Piper

Making The Stage

There’s no better feeling than hearing your name called as an international finalist at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. This April, more than 15,000 competitors will vie across 60 competitive events, each with approximately 200 entries, for the honor to be named an international champion. As you head to Atlanta, remind your competitors that each level of competition becomes fiercer. For perspective, the top winners from nearly 50 associations will all compete against each other. Continue to practice DECA as your sport.

decadirect.org/compete

The Pinnacle of the Year APRIL 2026

INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

The DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is the culmination of the DECA year. More than 25,000 high school students, teacher-advisors, business professionals and alumni gather for several days of DECA excitement. Whether or not your chapter attends, support your association’s delegation.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

DECA members will demonstrate their college and career ready knowledge and skills by participating in DECA’s industry-validated Competitive Events Program. Prior to attending DECA’s International Career Development Conference, all competitors should visit deca.org/icdc and decadirect.org for important information, including briefing videos. These briefing videos are specific to each category of competitive event and provide competitors with an overview of the process during ICDC, including how to find their section and competition time.

EMERGING LEADER SERIES

Thousands of DECA members participate in DECA’s Emerging Leaders Series through the Ignite, Elevate, Empower, Aspire and Thrive academies. Each academy has its own focus and goals, but each of these experiences help members attain 21st Century Skills in the areas of collaboration and teamwork, communication, critical thinking and problem solving and creativity.

TIP

Download the DECA ICDC App to plan your experience and navigate the conference on-site. Join the excitement by engaging on social media using the hashtag: #DECAICDC. deca.org/app

TIP

Access articles about preparing for ICDC competition at decadirect.org, and check the DECA website regularly for information. deca.org/icdc

APRIL 2026

Compete

If your members qualified to compete at ICDC, congratulations! As the competition becomes fiercer, help your members be as prepared as possible. Push them to perfect their presentations and test-taking strategies and broaden their knowledge and skills. Encourage them to reflect on their performance at your association conference and continue to practice and improve each day between now and ICDC.

Partner

More than 80 partners will be at ICDC engaged in College, Career and Business exhibits. This is a great opportunity for members to experience a professional exhibit hall and a terrific time for chapter advisors to make connections with DECA’s partners who want to support them. Check the ICDC program and app to learn more about the participating partners.

deca.org/app

TO DO THIS MONTH

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference, including the Advisor Professional Learning Series.

Download the DECA ICDC App at deca.org/app.

If qualified to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference, submit ICDC qualifying prepared entries online by April 8.

If qualified to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference, watch the competitive event briefing videos with your student competitors.

Celebrate success from ICDC.

Thank sponsors and mentors for their contributions to your members who attended ICDC.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

P.S.

Increase your power as a DECA advisor by planning your participation in DECA’s Advisor Professional Learning Series. If you are attending ICDC, stop by sessions specifically for DECA advisors on Sunday and Monday. Explore local and association-level professional development opportunities between now and the start of the school year to create a plan. Check with your administration to see if there is any financial support for teacher professional development as well as the process for approval.

What opportunities are available for DECA advisors at ICDC?

What association activities take place at ICDC?

How is the process for competitive events at ICDC different than and the same as our association conference? What travel tips should I be aware of for ICDC?

What is the ICDC dress code?

Nominations Due deca.org/honoraward

MDA Fundraising Reporting Deadline studentservices@mdausa.org

ICDC-Qualifying Prepared Entry Submissions Due deca.org/icdc

Classroom Connection

Connect DECA’s International Career Development Conference to your classroom as an extension of learning. Encourage your attendees to consider how their classroom and DECA learning experiences will align with their participation at the conference. In addition, consider how they can share the conference experiences with other classmates upon your return. 02 16 09 23 30 03 17 10 24 01 04 18 11 25 02

DECA International Career Development Conference

Atlanta, GA | deca.org/icdc

ICDC-Qualifying Prepared Entry Submissions Due deca.org/icdc

Post. Snap. Like. Share.

Use social media to celebrate your chapter’s success this year. Share all the amazing accomplishments – either big or small – of your chapter with your online community, and make your posts shareable to increase your audience. Potential members, partners and supporters could be waiting to see the greatness of your DECA chapter! Tag @DECAInc and your school’s social media.

Celebrate Success

PRIDE POINTS

Recognize outstanding achievements of your members by holding a year-end celebratory event. Celebrate your outgoing leaders and congratulate your student leaders selected to serve the upcoming year. Make a “pride points” list of all the accomplishments of your members and chapter. Try to use quantitative data that includes measurable figures. Share it with your students and their parents, your administration, counselors, school board and the media. Post it in your classroom for all to be proud!

GAINING SUPPORT

This is the time to shine by sharing measurable figures about your members’ achievements to key stakeholders. Show how your program supports your school’s overall mission. Make a list of all of those that have helped you this year – business partners, judges, counselors, administrators, parents, fellow teachers. Recognize them whether it’s with a gift, thank you note or banquet. You can never say thank you enough.

MAY 2026

MAY 2026

Compete

Share your chapter’s success at ICDC with your administrators and business and community partners.

The 2026-2027 topics for the Business Operations Research Events and Professional Selling and Consulting Events, as well as any changes to competitive events, were shared during DECA ICDC. Check decadirect.org for the draft topics and updates to get a jump start on the year ahead. decadirect.org

TO DO THIS MONTH

Provide recognition for your business partners and their support throughout the year. Make an in-person visit to thank and recognize them, and give them a shout out on social media. Highlight the impact of each partner’s participation and support so they continue to be involved with your chapter. Share your chapter’s success so they feel as valued contributors in preparing your chapter’s emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Conduct an annual evaluation of your DECA chapter with your chapter leadership team.

Recognize business and community partners.

Recognize members’ contributions and achievements.

Download DECA performance reports for ICDC competitors.

Select new chapter leadership team members.

Encourage graduating DECA members to explore Collegiate DECA and show interest as alumni members for your chapter for next year.

Mark your calendars for summer professional development opportunities.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

P.S.

Many chapters select their chapter leaders for the upcoming year before summer begins. Start by assessing your chapter’s performance and considering enhancements to your chapter’s strategy. DECA’s Elevate modules are designed to showcase the core elements of a high-performing DECA chapter. They provide the framework and resources to develop a chapter in a business-like context, helping members apply learning. Learn more about mission-based chapter leadership positions and access additional resources.

deca.org/elevate

What are some ideas for year-end celebratory events? What recognition do you provide for graduating senior DECA members? If you’re hosting an event, what guests should you invite? Why is it important to gain support of your program? How can you engage alumni once they graduate?

As members finish the year, encourage them to create a digital portfolio of the knowledge and skills they learned, professional growth they achieved, and accomplishments they earned through participating in DECA.

Summer of DECA

DECA doesn’t have to break for the summer. Many chapters use the summer break to go on a chapter leadership retreat, hold an orientation camp for incoming members or host a “champ camp” for competitive events training. Watch decadirect.org for the “Summer of DECA” challenge to engage members before the school year begins.

decadirect.org

Jumpstart the Year Ahead

REFLECT + GO FORWARD

One great element of teaching is that each year you get a fresh start with a new group of students, new challenges and new opportunities. However, to grow and perfect, you have to reflect on lessons learned and successes experienced so you can enhance your teaching going forward. Areas of reflection may include classroom management, organization, curriculum and instruction, evaluation, how to integrate DECA, working relationships with students, parents and colleagues, what caused stress and what caused inspiration, and what you consider your greatest accomplishments.

After your reflections and now with this year behind you, identify areas that will be of importance during the upcoming academic year. Those areas may be completely different from the areas you focused on this year, or they may be revisiting a select few to enhance or improve upon them. Make sure you have a balance of goals for your teaching and instruction, your DECA chapter and yourself as a professional.

JUNE 2026

JUNE 2026

Compete

Before your returning members break for the summer, encourage them to think about next year’s competitive events and give them resources to continue to prep over the summer. For incoming members, consider hosting a “Business Boot Camp” to introduce them to DECA’s competitive events and help them get a head start on competition. If hosted like a summer camp, this could also be an opportunity to raise funds for the DECA chapter.

TO DO THIS MONTH

Before the new school year, consider developing a partner sponsorship package to help build your professional level membership and further develop relationships with advisory board and other partners. Offer your business partners professional-level DECA membership, a position on your chapter’s advisory board or advertising in your school-based enterprise and on chapter t-shirts. Invite them to serve as mentors or speakers in class.

In addition to the suggested activities, add tasks specific to your chapter or association.

Schedule a meeting with your outgoing and incoming chapter leadership teams for a training and transition session.

Mark you calendar for summer advisor professional learning opportunities.

Train new chapter leadership team members.

Make sure dates for next year’s DECA activities are on your school’s calendar.

NOTES FOR NEXT YEAR

Reflect on successes and make notes for improvement for next year.

P.S.

Refer to your philosophy developed at the beginning of the year. Has it changed? Does it reflect your beliefs about the importance of teaching and learning after year one? Does your philosophy of teaching still allow you to easily articulate your beliefs and expectations for learning to others? Does it reflect your current thoughts on DECA? Take this moment to think through your philosophy, and revise it as necessary. Your philosophy will no doubt be a living document as you continue to learn and grow as a DECA advisor and teacher.

What are some of the chapter’s successes? What are some opportunities for improvement next year?

How has your philosophy changed and/or remained the same from when you started teaching? What goals should the chapter prioritize for the upcoming year?