Pennsylvania DECA provides scholarships to eligible members that intend to complete a course of study in the field of economics, business, marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, hospitality or marketing education. To qualify for these scholarships, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • You must be a graduating high school senior and member of PA DECA
  • You must have an academic grade point average of 2.5 or greater
  • You must submit an official copy of your high school transcript

The following scholarships are offered by PA DECA:

  • PENNSYLVANIA DECA SCHOLARSHIPS – award amounts vary
  • PENNSYLVANIA STATE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS- award amounts vary
  • PENNSYLVANIA FOOD MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION – One $1,000.00 scholarship awarded
  • MEMBER OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP – award amounts vary
  • OFFICER OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP – award amounts vary
  • CHARLES MARIOTZ SCHOLARSHIP – One $1,000.00 scholarship awarded
  • JERRY DIGIOVANNI SR. SCHOLARSHIP -One $1,000.00 scholarship awarded

How to Apply

To apply for PA DECA scholarships:

  • Prepare a DECA Portfolio and complete the PA DECA Common Application.  Applications will be reviewed and those eligible will be interviewed at the State CDC.  Final awards are made based on top scores from the application and interview.
  • The application and all supporting materials must be emailed to Jerry DiGiovanni ([email protected]) by the State Conference registration deadline.
PA DECA Common Application

DECA Portfolio

Your application must include all of the following to be considered.  Please staple, or clip, all contents and submit in a standard manila folder.

  • The Pennsylvania DECA Common Application
  • Typed Personal Statement
    • Why you deserve a scholarship from PA DECA and/or its partners, in 200 words or less.
    • Include how business education, and DECA, have assisted you in selecting your career objective.
  • Portfolio of Your Participation in DECA Activities
    • Include your specific involvement with the state plan of action, offices held, levels of competition, and activities throughout your career in DECA. Elaborate on the DECA Participation chart in the Common Application.
      • This portion of the application portfolio is limited to ten pages.
      • Only 8 ½ X 11 paper is permitted. 
      • No fold-outs, tabs or attachments may be used to extend the size of the paper. 
      • Use of photos, documents and letters are permitted. 
      • Creativity is encouraged. 
      • This section must be stapled together and included in your manila folder.
  • Your Scholastic Record
    • You must furnish an official copy of your high school transcript
    • An academic average of 2.5 or better is required.
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • One recommendation from your DECA Advisor.