DECA is an organization founded in 1946 that prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. With over 200,000 members across more than 5,000 schools worldwide, DECA offers leadership development, competitive events, and community service opportunities. Members engage in various activities that promote academic readiness, professional responsibility, and community involvement while fostering skills essential for their future careers.

2. WHAT IS DECA?

3. DECA IS EXCITING CONFERENCES ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY!

4. DECA IS DEVELOPING YOUR PROFESSIONAL POWER!

5. DECA IS REAL COMPETITION AND THE THRILL OF VICTORY!

6. DECA IS FOR YOU!

7. OUR HISTORY Founded in 1946 as the Distributive Education Clubs of America By the 1990’s, the organization had evolved into DECA – An Association of Marketing Students Today, DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management

8. OUR STATE California DECA now boasts over 2,900 members in over 60 chapters from Eureka to San Diego! California DECA consistently boasts one of the largest numbers of event winners of any state in the country!

9. OUR INFLUENCE DECA now boasts over 200,000 high school and college members in over 5,000 schools around the world Chapters thrive in all 50 states and in countries and territories on three continents The United States Congress and Department of Education both authorize DECA’s programs

10. OUR IMAGE The DECA Diamond has been the emblem of our organization since it began in 1946 Blue is now the official color for DECA

11. OUR VALUES The core values of DECA include competence, integrity, innovation and teamwork DECA also operates according to its eight guiding principles centered around the inner and outer points of the DECA Diamond

12. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES The inner points indicate that DECA: Integrates into Classroom Instruction Applies Learning Connects to Business Promotes Competition The outer points mean that DECA prepares members to be: Academically Prepared Community Oriented Professionally Responsible Experienced Leaders

13. ACADEMICALLY PREPARED “ I felt ready to tackle all of the challenges of attending college after my experience in DECA.”

14. ACADEMICALLY PREPARED DECA’s competitive events program is designed to directly integrate into classroom instruction Members not only learn about a potential career path, but also apply their learning in DECA’s competitive events program Managing a DECA chapter offers real opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship, management, project planning, and networking with business partners

15. EXPERIENCED LEADERS “ DECA taught me that I have the power to make the world around me a better place.”

16. EXPERIENCED LEADERS DECA’s offers leadership development opportunities at the chapter, state and international levels DECA leaders acquire skills like professional communication, public speaking, project management and personal networking Leadership development gives members the chance to learn lessons not taught in traditional classrooms

17. RUNNING FOR OFFICE DECA’s state and chapter officers are the leaders of the organization Anyone can run a campaign to get real experience leading and serving the organization they love!

18. COMMUNITY ORIENTED “ I raised thousands of dollars to help feed hungry people in third world countries – DECA taught me how to use my skills to aid worthy causes.”

19. COMMUNITY ORIENTED DECA members have raised over $5 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and millions more for other local and national causes Community service activities enable students to invest time and energy in their communities while applying real-world project planning and marketing skills “ DECA Serve Day” was established as a worldwide day of service for all DECA members

20. PROFESSIONALLY RESPONSIBLE “ Meeting new people, networking with professionals, speaking in front of large audiences – DECA taught me how to do it all !”

21. PROFESSIONALLY RESPONSIBLE Nationally, DECA has established partnerships with over 60 prominent companies, including Safeway, Marriott, Sears and Finish Line DECA’s business partners provide judges, guest speakers, and job opportunities in support of the organization Members have the opportunity to interact and network with industry leaders in several fields

22. OUR NATIONAL PARTNERS

23. DECA COMPETITIONS

24. DECA COMPETITIONS DECA provides opportunities to compete in written exams, role plays, written projects, online competitions, simulations or even a quiz bowl! Competition takes place at the local, state and international levels with over 40 different competitive event categories! Event winners can receive trophies, medals, scholarships, and even cash awards !

25. EXPLORE THE COUNTRY

26. EXPLORE THE COUNTRY DECA’s International Career Development Conference host over 15,000 students in places like Orlando, Anaheim, and Atlanta! DECA also hosts yearly conferences in Washington, DC, New York City, and other locations all over the country ! Members raise money for trips by applying their business knowledge to create successful and innovative fundraising strategies.

27. WHY JOIN DECA?

28. WHY JOIN DECA? Experience new places all around the country Meet new friends who share your passions Sharpen your skills to prepare you for your future career Apply the knowledge you learn in the classroom Transform yourself into a stronger leader Become the best in the world at your competitive event Have fun while learning and improving yourself!