What Is DECA? 

DECA is an international Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through classroom learning, leadership development, competitive events, and real-world experiences, DECA helps students connect what they learn in school to college, careers, and the business world.

Preparing Students for the Real World

DECA is much more than a business club. Its programs are designed to turn the classroom into a learning laboratory where students can apply business knowledge in authentic situations. Members develop skills in leadership, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and professional responsibility.

Students have opportunities to:

• Learn — Build knowledge and career skills through classroom instruction and hands-on experiences.

• Lead — Develop confidence, teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

• Compete — Apply business knowledge through role-plays, case studies, presentations, written projects and other competitive events.

• Connect — Network with students, educators, business professionals, colleges and organizations.

• Experience — Attend conferences, participate in school-based enterprises and take part in real-world business activities.

A Global Organization

DECA serves more than 322,000 student members, teacher-advisors, alumni, and professionals around the globe each year. Its programs serve both high school and college students and are designed to develop the next generation of the workforce.

DECA's educational model emphasizes four interconnected components: integrating into classroom instruction, applying learning, connecting to business, and promoting competition. The goal is to develop students who are academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders.

Why DECA?

DECA gives students opportunities to discover their interests, challenge themselves, and prepare for what comes after high school. Whether a student plans to pursue business, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, hospitality, management, or simply wants to become a stronger communicator and leader, DECA provides experiences that build skills for college, careers, and life.