2021-2022

Our Impact

DECA's strategic drivers identified by the DECA Inc. Board of Directors guide the collaboration of staff and stakeholders in delivering the premier organization to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Although the 2021-2022 school year started with uncertainty, the DECA year culminated with the vibrant return of the first in-person Collegiate DECA and DECA International Career Development Conferences since 2019. DECA also made significant strides in regaining chapters and membership, while strategically positioning the organization for both the short-term and long-term.

The school year ended with strong membership numbers, unwavering support from our partner organizations and a renewed excitement for DECA from those who were thrilled to engage in-person and for those who were eager to experience DECA in-person for the first time. Strong membership numbers and conference attendance reinforced the power of DECA’s core programs and philosophies. Still navigating the health challenges presented by the pandemic, DECA successfully hosted a nearly full slate of in-person conferences, reinforcing the educational value of in-person networking, learning and growing.  

Since 2020, the pandemic challenged DECA to develop new programs, try new delivery methods and add layers of support. However, the experiences and learnings from and during the pandemic positioned DECA extremely well to enter a new era of chapter recruitment, membership development, enhanced educational programs, increased member value and opportunities to forge new partnerships. With the support of our board of directors, our talented staff, our dedicated advisors, our enthusiastic members and our generous partners, DECA will continue to be the premier career and technical student organization for business, marketing, finance, hospitality and entrepreneurship.

OUR MEMBERS

Dynamic Impact on College + Career Success

Our diverse, highly-motivated DECA members report that their participation in DECA has a direct positive effect on their preparation for college and careers.

98%
of DECA members report they gained skills in problem solving.
97%
of DECA members report they learned how to communicate thoughts and ideas.
86%
of DECA members report they learned how to work as part of a team.
98%
of DECA members report they gained skills to improve personal and professional behavior.
73%
of DECA members report that DECA has influenced their career plans.
69%
of DECA members report that DECA has influenced their college plans.
91%
of DECA members report that participation in DECA prepared them academically for college and a career.
66%
of DECA members have an increased desire to own a business.
92%
of DECA members report that DECA experiences empowered them to become an effective leader.
91%
of DECA members report that DECA experiences connected school to the real world for them.
82%
of DECA members recognized the benefit and responsibility of community service.
76%
of DECA members report they are more interested in attending school.

STUDENT MEMBERS

Engaging Our Members

Providing relevant educational experiences for our members.

CHAPTER ADVISORS

Supporting Our Advisors

Assisting our advisors who not only navigated but emerged from the pandemic and returned to in-person learning.

CHAPTERS

Championing Our Chapters

Developing the lifeblood of our membership by creating a chapter-centric culture.

CHARTERED ASSOCIATIONS

Strengthening Our Chartered Associations

Providing training and support to our key association leaders.

DECA

Propelling Our Organization Forward

Enhancing talent, technology and communication to support every dimension of DECA.

Questions?

Contact DECA staff
for more information.

Frank Peterson, CAE
Executive Director
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