DECA is an international association of marketing education students.  Over 220,000 students are members in over 4,000 high school chapters nationwide and internationally.  DECA is co-curricular, not extracurricular.  This means it is an integral part of the classroom instructional program. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. DECA chapters attract students who are interested in developing the skills needed to carry into their business, professional, and personal lives after graduation.  Working hand-in-hand with the education and business communities, DECA's goal is to help its members develop the following:

• Occupational competencies needed for careers in marketing, management and entrepreneurship

• Leadership abilities

• Social and business etiquette

• Understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility

• Ethical behavior in personal and business relationships

• Understanding the role of our free enterprise system in the global economy