About DECA DECA is national organization of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship students. It gives students the opportunity to expand the realm of the classroom to the "real world" through projects and activities designed to make learning real and relevant.
DECA was founded in 1947. Originally referred to as the Distributive Education Clubs of America, DECA is integral in providing opportunities for personal and professional development for marketing, entrepreneurship and management students.
DECA is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian vocational student organization. This organization focuses on leadership development, vocational understanding, reinforcement of academic skills and knowledge, civic consciousness, and social intelligence. Students who participate in a well-planned program of DECA activities are more likely to be motivated toward successfully participating in the business arena and to develop self-confidence they need to set and achieve goals.
The Marketing and Cooperative Education teacher-coordinator serves as the adult advisor for the chapter. Management of the chapter provides tremendous learning opportunities for students as they serve as chapter officers and committee members. Through planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating chapter activities, they gain valuable life and career skills. The local DECA chapter is the showcase for student achievement.
Purpose of DECA
DECA chapters are to marketing education students what a civic or professional organization is to a group of business leaders. Chapter activities are recognized as an integral part of the total educational program because they develop leadership skills, professional attitudes citizenship characteristics, and social skills.
DECA specifically:
develops a respect for education in marketing and management which contributes to vocational competence.
promotes understanding and appreciation for the responsibilities of citizenship in our private free enterprise system.
develops progressive, competent leadership in the field of marketing and management.
provides a thorough study of the opportunities in the field of marketing and management, thereby assisting the student in making an intelligent and meaningful career choice.
encourages the use of high ethical standards in business.
encourages civic responsibility through professional conferences, chapter activities, school improvement projects, and support of community projects.
maintains its own scholarship program to assist its members with higher education costs.
promotes competition and offers awards and recognition to members for outstanding accomplishments.
fosters social intelligence in members through various social and recreational activities.
