Join more than 225,000 high school members in over 5,300 chapters across the world who are preparing for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management and entrepreneurship.

You’ll have the opportunity to become an academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leader through participation in DECA activities at the local, chartered association and international levels.

With community service projects, competitive events, educational conferences, leadership positions, networking and social media, you’ll attain the knowledge and skills you need to be college and career ready.

Simply ask your local DECA advisor at your school how to join your chapter today!

  • Who can be a DECA member?

    Anyone with an interest in marketing, finance, hospitality, management or entrepreneurship should join DECA! Being a DECA member will put you a step ahead of the competition by giving you real-world practice and industry connections.

  • Who should join DECA?

    All students who participate in DECA activities at the local, district, chartered association and/or international levels should pay chartered association and DECA Inc. dues. These activities include, but are not limited to, conferences, competitive events, online challenges, scholarship applications and more. Board policy states that all members, including advisors, must…

  • What are membership dues?

    The annual dues to be a Pennsylvania DECA member are $16. This is comprised of an $8 DECA Inc. fee and an $8 PA DECA fee. Please note that chapters have the ability to include an additional chapter fee, thus raising the membership fee amount above $16.

  • What is included in DECA membership?

    In addition to an official membership card and pin, DECA members have exclusive access to all of the college and career preparation opportunities DECA provides. These include four issues of DECA Direct magazine, participation in DECA’s Competitive Events Program to demonstrate their knowledge and earn recognition, opportunities to attend conferences…

  • What is the deadline for submitting DECA membership?

    DECA membership is open year-round; however, DECA encourages all chapters to activate their chapter by submitting initial membership by November 15. This ensures that the chapter continues to receive communication, publications and services from DECA Inc. The deadline for members to be eligible to compete at the International Career Development…

  • What is the minimum number of members needed on a roster?

    The minimum chapter size is ten (10) student members and one (1) advisor (or any combination of 11 paid members). The only exception is in the case of a new or reactivated chapter, which has two years to obtain the minimum chapter size. In this case, please contact Michael Mount.

  • Who is an alumni member?

    Alumni members are individuals who have graduated and wish to remain involved with the program by paying the appropriate DECA Inc. and chartered association dues. Alumni members receive a pin and card, one-year subscription to DECA Direct (if a current address is provided) and the value of supporting an organization…