The Distributive Education Clubs of America, also known as DECA, is an association of high school students and teachers around the world. This organization teaches students to become leaders and entrepreneurs in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and services. This organization is beneficial to both high school and college students.

At Battlefield, to be able to join DECA you must be enrolled in a marketing elective because it is a co-curricular club. The students who are involved in this club participate in community service projects that help them with leadership opportunities. A member of DECA at Battlefield, Ashley Hanson, shares why this club has helped her, “DECA has helped me gain confidence with public speaking, taught me to be a leader, and introduced me to many new people.” By being involved in this club, it has helped Hanson to be more interactive and sociable.

High school and college students are involved in competitive events for DECA. In high school, DECA competitions are a major part of the classroom curricular. The evaluation process consists of a written exam or report and an interactive component with a judge from a professional industry. The State Leadership Conference, hosted annually by Virginia DECA took place the first weekend of March. A write-up by Potomac Falls High School says, “This conference is where students who’ve advanced past districts, or are on projects go to compete against other students from the state of Virginia to try to make it to ICDC, or ‘Nationals.’” Students from various counties around the state are able to represent what they have been working towards throughout the school year. For many students who are able to attend this event, they are able to be prepared for college and careers after they graduate high school.

DECA was founded in 1946 and ever since it has impacted over ten million students, educators, administrators, and business professionals. DECA consists of 21,5000 members and 5,500 advisors. According to the official website for DECA, “DECA is organized into two unique student divisions each with programs designed to address the learning styles, interest and focus of its members. The High School Division includes 200,000 members in 3,500 schools. The Collegiate Division includes over 15,000 members in 275 colleges and universities.” Being involved in DECA during high school can lead students to become successful in their college years. Students in this club are able to learn many helpful real-world tips, such as communication skills, how to organize a presentation, and what to expect from business employees.