What is DECA?

What is DECA?

DECA gives high school students hands-on experience in marketing, business, and entrepreneurship. Its goal is to prepare future leaders for successful careers in fields like marketing, management, hospitality, and finance. 177,000 high school students currently participate in DECA.

Founded in 1946, DECA originally stood for “Distributive Education Clubs of America.” The group now calls itself “An Association of Marketing Students” but continues to use the DECA acronym. As technology and educational research advance, DECA’s programs and activities continuously evolve to better prepare students for the modern workforce.

DECA chapters typically participate in community service projects, business-related challenges and learning experiences, and competitions at regional, state, and national levels. Members practice and fundraise for competitions, and many chapters invite a range of successful guest speakers and mentors to work with the students.

What are the benefits of joining?

DECA provides its members with an abundance of skills, knowledge, real-world experience, connections, and exciting opportunities. In fact, 91% of DECA members say their participation prepared them for college and careers. Members also say DECA influenced their college and career plans, as well as their interest in entrepreneurship and owning a business.

You’ll engage in realistic business scenarios and compete with other entrepreneurial minds from across the country. You’ll meet successful business leaders who may connect you with an internship or even a career in the future. And you’ll have the opportunity to win awards, recognition, and scholarship money. 

Joining DECA is an excellent way to prepare for college and career success, impress college admissions officers, and jumpstart future business opportunities. 

Unique Experiences

In addition to building valuable skills and connections, DECA provides unique experiences for high school students. These experiences equip students with hands-on practice, in-depth knowledge, and essential 21st-century skills for the workplace.

Here are a few of the experiences you can choose to participate in as a DECA member:

• Digital Presentation Skills: Utilize a Virtual Business Simulation to demonstrate your digital presentation skills in a one-to-two-minute digital presentation. 

• Entrepreneur of Tomorrow: Propose and pitch a new product idea for a specific market segment, along with a marketing and distribution strategy. 

• Social Innovation: Design an innovative solution to increase access to entrepreneurship for underrepresented groups. 

Learn to be a leader

More than 92% of DECA members say their experience empowered them to be effective leaders. Through activities and leadership conferences, DECA gives students countless opportunities to develop leadership skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills will serve you well throughout college and your career.

Demonstrating leadership ability in high school also makes your college applications more competitive. Colleges look for high school leaders because they’re likely to become leaders in college too.  You’ll also have the chance to take on formal leadership roles through DECA, another bonus for your college applications. You can lead a chapter, state, or even national office, or you can run a DECA program or initiative. 

Should I join DECA?

There’s no question that joining DECA is extremely beneficial for high school students. 

You’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and experience that top companies look for in their applicants. By taking on leadership roles and earning awards and recognition, you’ll also enhance the competitiveness of your college applications. 

You may even win scholarships to help you pay for your college education. And once you get to college, you can continue participating in DECA, making more connections, gaining access to more opportunities, and further enhancing your professional skills.

But when it comes to extracurricular participation, colleges want to see what you’re genuinely passionate about. So, if you’re into marketing, entrepreneurship, hospitality, or business management, joining DECA will absolutely benefit you!  If not, high schools offer other organizations that are a better fit for your interests and goals. Extracurricular participation is ultimately about pursuing your passions and sharpening your strengths, so find clubs and opportunities that are right for you. 

DECA Summarized

DECA provides high school students with practical experience in marketing, business, and entrepreneurship to equip them as future leaders in various fields. Currently involving 177,000+ students, DECA chapters engage in community service, business challenges, and competitions at different levels. Members hone their skills through practice, fundraising, and interaction with guest speakers, leading to college and career readiness. Participation in DECA not only influences career paths but also offers networking opportunities, internships, and scholarships, making it an excellent platform for students to prepare for future success in both academic and business ventures.