Who we are

Wisconsin DECA has impacted the lives of thousands of students, educators, school administrators and business professionals with a nearly 60-year history. We are one of the largest chartered DECA associations worldwide, providing valuable resources and leadership to over 10,000 Wisconsin students in over 100 statewide chapters including comprehensive learning and competitive event programs.

DECA provides remarkable experiences in the preparation of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA’s programs and activities constantly evolve as we use the latest technology and apply cutting edge educational research. We value competence, innovation, integrity and teamwork.

Wisconsin DECA student members have exclusive access to all of the college and career preparation opportunities DECA provides including participation in DECA’s Competitive Events Program to demonstrate their knowledge and earn recognition, opportunities to attend conferences designed to prepare them for college and careers, access to $200,000 in scholarships and more.

DECA’s remarkable, authentic and comprehensive learning programs integrate into the classroom all year long preparing students to be college and career ready:

Educational Conferences

DECA’s competitive evaluation process involves students in both a written component such as an exam or report and an interactive component with an industry professional serving as a judge. Opportunities to travel and network with other students and leaders provide remarkable DECA experiences.

See conferences

Preparing Emerging Leaders

Empowering DECA members by providing effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building and project implementation. This happens in the classroom and through Wisconsin DECA led conferences such as COW (Chapter Opportunity Workshop), ELC (Emerging Leaders Conference), Sports Marketing along with leadership academies at Educational Conferences.

School Based Enterprise (SBE)

These entrepreneurial, hands-on-learning laboratories are managed and operated by students. For many students, SBE’s provide their first work experience; for others, an opportunity to build management, supervision and leadership skills.

Learn about SBE

Community Service

Rigorous planning is involved in state-wide community service events each year to create successful Wisconsin DECA chapter campaigns that give back to local communities. Annually, we raise over $20,000 for MDA, over $20,000 for Special Olympics through polar plunge, and over $30,000 for Make-a-Wish Wisconsin. In addition, Wisconsin DECA chapters help stock community food pantries with over 65,000 non-perishable food items each year.

Learn more about community service

Have questions? We'd love to hear from you.