DECA, founded in 1946, is an organization that prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through professional development, competitions, and community service. With over 200,000 members globally, DECA emphasizes core values such as competence, integrity, innovation, and teamwork, while offering leadership opportunities and real-world business experience. Through various events and partnerships with prominent companies, DECA helps students apply classroom knowledge to practical situations, enabling them to become effective leaders and community contributors.

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 HISTORYFounded in 1946 as the Distributive Education Clubs of AmericaBy the 1990’s, the organization had evolved into DECA – An Association of Marketing StudentsToday, DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management

8. OUR STATECalifornia DECA now boasts over 2,500 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 INFLUENCEDECA now boasts over 200,000 high school and college members in over 5,000 schools around the worldChapters thrive in all 50 states and in countries and territories on three continentsThe United States Congress and Department of Education both authorize DECA’s programs

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

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

12. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLESThe outer points mean that DECA prepares members to be:Academically Prepared

13. Community Oriented

14. Professionally Responsible

15. Experienced LeadersThe inner points indicate that DECA:Integrates into Classroom Instruction

16. Applies Learning

17. Connects to Business

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

19. ACADEMICALLY PREPAREDDECA’s competitive events program is designed to directlyintegrate into classroom instructionMembers not only learn about a potential career path, but also apply their learning in DECA’s competitive eventsprogramManaging a DECA chapter offers real opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship, management, project planning, and networking with business partners

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

21. EXPERIENCED LEADERSDECA’s offers leadership development opportunities at the chapter, state and international levelsDECA leaders acquire skills like professional communication, public speaking, project management and personal networkingLeadership development gives members the chance to learn lessons not taught in traditional classrooms

22. RUNNING FOR OFFICEDECA’s state and chapter officers are the leaders of the organizationAnyone can run a campaign to get real experience leading and serving the organization they love!

23. 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.”

24. COMMUNITY ORIENTEDDECA members have raised over $5 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and millions more for other local and national causesCommunity 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

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

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

27. OUR NATIONAL PARTNERS

28. DECA COMPETITIONS

29. DECA COMPETITIONSDECA 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!

30. EXPLORE THE COUNTRY

31. EXPLORE THE COUNTRYDECA’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 moneyfor trips by applying their business knowledge to create successful and innovative fundraising strategies.

32. WHY JOIN DECA?

33. WHY JOIN DECA?Experience new places all around the countryMeet new friends who share your passionsSharpen your skills to prepare you for your future careerApply the knowledge you learn in the classroomTransform yourself into a stronger leaderBecome the best in the world at your competitive eventHave fun while learning and improving yourself!