What is DECA?

Tennessee DECA is a student-led Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that prepares high school and collegiate students for success in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through hands-on learning, leadership development, and career exploration, Tennessee DECA empowers students to build the technical skills, confidence, and experience needed for their future careers.

Tennessee DECA is a chartered association of DECA Inc., which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Tennessee Department of Education. As part of Tennessee's Career and Technical Education (CTE) system, Tennessee DECA supports classroom instruction by connecting students to real-world opportunities and professional pathways.

  • DECA members attending the Glass Academy practice their competitive event skills.

    A Classroom-Connected Experience

    DECA is embedded in Tennessee’s marketing, finance, hospitality, and management programs as an intra-curricular organization that directly supports classroom instruction. By integrating DECA into CTE courses, educators give students a platform to apply what they learn in school to meaningful, future-focused opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

  • Competitors smile on stage after being recognized as a finalist at the State Career Development Conference.

    Building the Future Workforce

    Tennessee DECA offers a wide range of programs designed to equip students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. These include competitive events aligned with real-world business and leadership skills, leadership conferences at the district, state, and international levels, service-learning projects, and professional networking opportunities. Each of these programs helps students explore potential career paths, develop essential soft skills, and gain experience that supports their future goals.

A group of DECA members pose for a photo.

Our Mission

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Our Guiding Principles

DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program...

  • Integrates into Classroom Instruction: An integral component of classroom instruction, DECA activities provide authentic, experiential learning methods to prepare members for college and careers.

  • Applies Learning: DECA members put their knowledge into action through rigorous project-based activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes.

  • Connects to Business: Partnerships with businesses at local and broader levels provide DECA members realistic insight into industry and promote meaningful, relevant learning.

  • Promotes Competition: As in the global economy, a spark of competition drives DECA members to excel and improve their performance.

DECA Prepares the Next Generation to Be...

  • Academically Prepared: DECA members are ambitious, high-achieving leaders equipped to conquer the challenges of their aspirations

  • Community Oriented: Recognizing the benefit of service and responsibility to the community, DECA members continually impact and improve their local and broader communities.

  • Professionally Responsible: DECA members are poised professionals with ethics, integrity, and high standards.

  • Experienced Leaders: DECA members are empowered through experience to provide effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building, and project implementation.

Our Attributes + Values

  • Competence

  • Innovation

  • Integrity

  • Teamwork

What We Offer

Tennessee DECA provides dynamic programs that engage and support students as they prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. These include:

  • Competitive Events that allow students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.

  • Leadership Conferences that foster communication, professionalism, and personal growth.

  • Industry Partnerships that connect students with professionals, mentors, and career pathways.

  • Classroom Integration that enhances CTE, marketing, and business instruction with intra-curricular activities.

Questions?

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