GETTING INVOLVED
BRING DECA TO YOUR SCHOOL
STUDENTS
READY TO LEAD, COMPETE, AND GO THE EXTRA? Starting a DECA chapter at your school is your chance to launch something big. You’ll connect with a national network of emerging leaders, develop real-world skills, and bring your vision to life—right on your campus.
TEACHERS
EMPOWER YOUR STUDENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. Starting a DECA chapter gives you the tools to guide emerging leaders in entrepreneurship, marketing, and career readiness. With strong advisor support and comprehensive resources, Texas DECA helps you make an impact that lasts.
ADMINISTRATORS
A DECA CHAPTER IS AN INVESTMENT IN STUDENT SUCCESS. DECA enhances your campus through leadership development, career-focused learning, and real-world experiences. Texas DECA provides full support to align chapter efforts with your school’s educational and CTE goals.
Chapters must be officially established by the school, but students can take the lead in advocating for one to be started. Check out the provided resources to help students present the value of a chapter and begin the conversation with teachers and administrators. Once the chapter is established, the student has the unique opportunity to help their advisor build and design the structure, culture, and vision of the chapter from the ground up.
RESOURCES COMING SOON
STUDENTS
Being a DECA advisor allows teachers to make a lasting impact beyond the classroom by guiding students as they grow into confident, capable emerging leaders. Advisors help students apply what they’re learning through hands-on projects, competitions, and leadership opportunities—bringing classroom concepts to life. With support from Texas DECA, teachers gain access to a network of peers, professional development, and ready-to-use resources that make starting and sustaining a chapter rewarding and manageable.
Check out the steps to getting started below.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to us!
Texas DECA | 817-900-8037 | contact@texasdeca.org
DECA Inc. | 703-860-5000 | membership@deca.org
TEACHERS
STEPS TO GETTING STARTED
STEP 1: CONFIRM THAT YOUR CAMPUS MEETS TEXAS DECA REQUIREMENTS
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY – Per Texas DECA Bylaws, students are eligible to join DECA if they are enrolled in or have been enrolled in Marketing Education classes or an approved Career & Technical Education class in Texas.
ADVISOR ELIGIBILITY – Per Texas DECA Operating Procedures, DECA Advisors in the state of Texas shall be CTE certified as per TEA guidelines or have proven knowledge of marketing, management, finance, or the hospitality industry through work experience or education.
STEP 2: COMPLETE THE ONLINE CHAPTER REQUEST
Visit the website below, click on ‘First Time Chapter Membership’, and enter your campus information. You will need the following:
Full Campus Address
Advisor Contact Information
Principal and CTE Coordinator/Director Contact Information
Make the following selections:
Select Texas (High School)
Student Password - Choose something you can share with your students, they will need this to access their student log-in
Please note how you heard about DECA. Were you an advisor at another school? Did your District recommend starting a CTSO? Did a student come to you and ask you to serve as the advisor?
STEP 3: APPROVAL PROCESS
Once Texas DECA has received your new chapter request, you may be contacted to confirm information about your chapter, course offerings for your campus, and to ensure that you as an advisor, and your students meet all requirements per the Texas DECA Bylaws.
In the meantime, we recommend that you review the Chapter Advisor handbook, Be A Hero, for information regarding your role as an advisor, helpful strategies for memberhip recruitment and leadership development, as well as information on DECA's Comprehensive Learning Program. When you’ve been approved, you’ll gain access to the Advisor Hub with even more resources to help you get started!
STEP 4: LET’S GET STARTED!
Once approved, you and your students will be ready to get the most out of DECA. You will be connected with your District Director, who will update you throughout the year on all of the local activities.
You will also receive an email from National DECA's New Advisor Coordinator, as well as a new chapter packet in the mail delivered to your campus. This packet will include the DECA Guide, Competitive Events posters, Join/Membership posters, as well as additional resources to help get you started.
Texas DECA’s New Advisor Support Coordinator, Traci Buckner will reach out to you once approved. Traci will be available to you as you begin your journey as a DECA Advisor. She’ll answer all of your questions and guide you through your first years!
Advisor Tip: Build excitement with your students by watching the Membership Video
Bringing a DECA chapter to your campus enhances student engagement, strengthens your CTE and business programs, and supports college and career readiness. DECA provides hands-on learning experiences that align with state standards while developing leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. A chapter also elevates your school’s profile by connecting students to a statewide and national network of emerging leaders and competitive opportunities. With full support from Texas DECA, starting a chapter is a strategic investment in student success.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to us!
Texas DECA | 817-900-8037 | contact@texasdeca.org
DECA Inc. | 703-860-5000 | membership@deca.org