Bring DECA to Your School

If you’re interested in bringing DECA to your school, explore the criteria to determine if your school is eligible to start a DECA chapter. If your request is approved, our new advisor liaison will be with you every step of the way to help you make your DECA chapter a rewarding educational experience for you and your members.

Six Simple Steps

1 - Meet DECA Inc. Requirements

All DECA chapters must be part of a high school, must have a chapter advisor recognized by the school and must have a minimum chapter size of ten (10) student members and one (1) advisor.
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The chapter must pay dues (DECA Inc. and chartered association) for each of its advisor, student, alumni and professional members.

The chapter must also meet all requirements of the chartered association in step two.

2 - Meet Your Association's Requirements

If your chapter meets the basic requirements set forth in step one, your chapter must also meet all requirements set forth by your chartered association. A chartered association implements programs and manages chapters in a geographical area — usually a state, province or territory.

Each chartered association has its own requirements to start a chapter, and the requirements vary by association. Also check your chartered association’s requirements for serving as a DECA advisor as well as requirements for your student members to join DECA.

Visit our chartered association directory to find key information about your chartered association, as well as its website which may provide additional information.

3 - Obtain the Approval of Your School

Once you know your chapter can meet the DECA Inc. requirements and your association’s requirements, the next step is to ensure you have the support of your school’s leadership group. This may be your principal or Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director.

4 - Officially Request to Start a Chapter

After you receive approval from all parties, get the official process rolling by completing a new chapter request form. Be sure to first select your state/province and division – high school. Once your chartered association advisor approves your chapter, you’ll receive an automated approval message with your username and password to login to the membership system. You’ll also be contacted by DECA’s New Advisor Liaison within a week.

5 - Get Approval and Make It Official by Submitting Your Members

Once you get approval, make your chapter’s membership official by entering your membership roster. Once you have entered your members’ names, be sure to actually hit submit and send your dues to DECA Inc. If dues are not submitted, your students are not official DECA members.

6 - Get Connected + Get Started

First, make contact with your chartered association advisor. Then, visit Bring Your Classroom to Life and Advisor Resource Center for information on how to build and grow your chapter. Check out the 10 Steps to Getting Started with DECA.