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.