Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below is information about frequent questions or comments. If you can’t find what you are looking for below, we invite you to explore other pages.
How do I add a question to this FAQ?
Nevada DECA welcomes questions that can help all our members and advisors build the best DECA program possible. If you searched this FAQ and did not find an answer you need, please submit one!
Email [email protected] and we’ll add your question and the answer.
What is DECA?
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high school and college classrooms around the globe. DECA is a career and technical student organization (CTSO) that is designed to be co-curricular, meaning it enhances and is integrated with classroom instruction.
DECA Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit student organization with members in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, China, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The United States Congress, the United States Department of Education and state and international departments of education authorize DECA’s programs.
What does the acronym "DECA" stand for?
When DECA was founded in the 1940s, the acronym stood for “Distributive Education Clubs of America”. Since then, DECA has grown and evolved its mission into an organization of leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management, and the organization is now known simply as “DECA”.
What do student do in DECA?
DECA offers its members the opportunity to enhance their skills and abilities through its competitive events program, leadership development opportunities, DECA conferences, community engagement, and entrepreneurial ventures. DECA’s competitive events are the most visible ways that DECA members practice what they learn in classrooms, but many students find success and fulfillment through utilizing all of the different aspects of DECA membership.
How can I contact a State Officer?
You can reach out to all of our State Officers by clicking here.
Where can I access photos of past conferences?
We post the best photos of each conference on our Latest News section, as well as share them on social media!
Is DECA only for marketing or business students?
Absolutely not! While DECA is designed to support and integrate into classroom instruction in marketing, finance, hospitality and management courses, many DECA members find that DECA’s opportunities prepare them for success in nearly any field, and that DECA’s leadership development opportunities offer limitless possibilities.
Why should I join DECA?
Over 200,000 members join DECA every year because of the opportunities and benefits it offers. DECA is educational, exciting, challenging, and can help you gain skills that will propel you to success. Want to see for yourself? Then check out this video!
How much does it cost to become a DECA member?
DECA’s dues in Nevada are comprised of $8.00 to the international organization and $9.00 to the state organization for a total of $17.00 (chapters may also charge additional dues at the chapter level). All DECA members must be registered and paid in order to participate in DECA conferences.
How does DECA benefit students?
DECA prepares its members to be experienced leaders and empowers members through experience to provide effective leadership.
DECA develops experienced leaders by practicing key leadership skills such as goal setting, consensus building and project management. Members have numerous opportunities for leadership development from workshops and leadership academies at exciting conferences to serving as an elected officer at the local, state, or national level. Members are able to practice and apply their leadership training as community members, students, and peers.
How does DECA benefit my community?
DECA prepares the next generation to be community oriented by recognizing the benefit of service and responsibility to the community. DECA teaches its members to reach out to organizations they are passionate about and become involved in the community around them. DECA provides many community engagement opportunities for members through state and nationwide community service efforts and competition.
How can Nevada DECA help my business?
DECA members are some of the most talented and high-achieving students in schools across Nevada. Our members are able to apply their knowledge and experience in their career clusters in entrepreneurial ventures and places of employment to help make them more productive, effective members of the workforce.
Many local businesses also partner with DECA chapters as a source of quality young leaders and powerful new ideas.
Is Nevada DECA a 501(c)(3) non-profit? How can I make a donation?
Yes, Nevada DECA is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. If you would like to donate to Nevada DECA, we would be happy to provide our federal tax ID number to claim on your records. To make a donation, simply click on the “Donate” button on the top of this page and follow the instructions.
How can I partner with Nevada DECA?
There are many powerful ways to help Nevada DECA members to achieve success! Some of the most powerful ways are to judge a competition, sponsor a competitive event, exhibit at one of our conferences, or reach out to one of our local chapters to offer additional support and assistance.
How can I connect with Nevada DECA on social media?
How do I start a DECA chapter at my school?
Getting a DECA chapter is a very straight forward process. The following is a suggested sequence for organizing a new chapter:
- Recruit interested students: A minimum of 10 students and one advisor who is a faculty/staff member at your school are all that you need to start a chapter.
- Meet with the appropriate school administrator from your school to get your DECA program approved.
- Contact Nevada DECA by sending an email to our State Director, Becky Trimble at [email protected] Please include all relevant contact details (e.g. school name, chapter advisor name, mailing address, email address, phone number, fax number, and any other relevant contact information.) Nevada DECA will follow up with information and materials to help assist you and will also ensure that DECA Headquarters sends along materials and information.
- Nevada DECA will then schedule a time to visit on the phone about next steps, answer questions, and assist as you get your chapter going. Your name and email address will also be sent to Chris Young, High School Division Director at DECA Headquarters. Chris sends out regular emails with helpful tips and pointers for new chapter advisors.
- Start planning meetings and activities for your new DECA chapter!
If you are interested in starting a DECA Chapter, please email [email protected] to request a chapter starter kit! For more information regarding starting a chapter, you can also visit our Start A Chapter page