DECA’s objective is to support the development of marketing and management skills in career areas such as hospitality, finance, sales and service, sports and entertainment, international business, business administration and entrepreneurship. Programs and activities tailored to the specific career interest of students and include technical skills, basic scholastic and communication skills, human relations and employability skills, with a strong emphasis on economics and free enterprise.  DECA provides recognition and leadership activities directly related to attainment of specific occupational and leadership skills.

The mission of DECA, Inc. is to enhance the co-curricular education of students with interest in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. DECA helps students to develop skills and competence for marketing careers, to build self-esteem, to experience leadership and to practice community service. DECA is committed to the advocacy of marketing education and the growth of business/education partnerships.

DECA is a nonpartisan, non-sectarian 501(c)(3) association of students, teachers, and administrators and is recognized and endorsed by all 50 state departments of education and the U.S. Department of Education.

DECA Membership

A recent survey of DECA chapter advisors produced a profile of our members:

56.8% - Female           43.2% - Male
60% White                   15% Hispanic               17% African American 4% Asian

DECA Membership Scope

DECA chapters operate in 5,000 high schools and 200 colleges across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and Canada and Germany. With over 185,000 members, (172,000 high school and 13,000 college members) DECA has a significant impact on today's youth.

Major Activities and Services

DECA offers a wide range of services and activities for its professional and student members. The services and activities are organized around the areas of conferences, publications, competitive events, leadership and classroom and chapter resources. Separate programs and activities are conducted for the high school and college division.

Arizona Statistics - 2008

Arizona DECA Chapters:         87           
Total Arizona Members:           4630

Total Members in Maricopa County:  3130