DECA Continues to Shine

DECA, or Distributive Education Clubs of America, is back with the start of the school year—and it’s bigger than ever. This year, more than 299,000 students are enrolled nationally in DECA, building skills in business, finance, and entrepreneurship while preparing for their futures.

Many participants strive for excellence by learning business concepts, competing, and completing project-based activities. These activities include role-playing, case studies, and written projects. DECA aims to create ambitious, responsible leaders who excel in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, with practical, real-world applications.

New participants are eagerly anticipating the year, like sophomore Cyrus Kapadia, who said, “This year, I am excited to meet new people who have common interests with me, and I am also excited to build upon my knowledge in finance.”

Students like Kapadia, who have a clear vision for their future careers, flourish in DECA while learning in fun and rewarding ways. “The leading factor for joining DECA was the culture and competition it offers. I am excited to play the role of someone working in finance and present to judges in competitions because that’s something I can excel in and possibly win awards for,” Kapadia explained.

According to the official DECA website, these methods of learning are highly effective: 98% of DECA members report gaining problem-solving skills, 92% say DECA helped empower them to become better leaders, and 91% describe DECA as preparing them academically for college and careers.

Sophomore Triya Potluri, participating in DECA for her second year, said, “DECA helps me build my confidence in public speaking and strengthens my communication, presenting, and test-taking skills.” While the work and competitions may seem daunting to newcomers, Potluri shared her favorite memory: “It was a really fun experience at the district conference. We had so much time to meet students from other schools and talk to them. We also had amazing food, so I’m super excited to have another great experience this year.”

As DECA continues to grow, both students and teachers are excited to see its progress. Aaron Holman, Meridian’s DECA sponsor, said, “Our numbers have grown so much since last year, so I’m excited to see how new members move forward and how returning members progress.” He added, “DECA benefits all students, but because of the competitive nature and the fact that we compete against schools with established business programs, participants must be self-motivated.”

DECA continues to thrive, teaching valuable lessons to emerging leaders. With its engaging experiences and practical learning opportunities, it’s clear that DECA will continue to inspire students for years to come.