Switching Gears: High School to Collegiate DECA

Specifically among senior high school DECA members, we are often asked how the collegiate division relates to the high school. Transitioning from high school DECA to Collegiate DECA is a natural evolution in a DECA student’s academic and professional development. If you are interested in learning more about bridging the gap between the two divisions, read the following article to learn more about their similarities and differences, in addition to other important information to know.

While both divisions of DECA aim to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management, the collegiate level strives to create resources for college students to be best fit for post-graduate programs and future careers. It is no secret that the high school division of DECA focuses on competition first, and this is a major difference for the collegiate division which prides itself on the noncompetitive resources it provides: internship, scholarship, and job opportunities.

Secondly, one of the most noticeable shifts from high school to collegiate DECA is the style of competitive events. In high school DECA, many events focus on foundational business skills, often demonstrated through role-plays or written projects. These activities emphasize introductory-level knowledge and basic problem-solving. In contrast, Collegiate DECA events are designed to challenge students with real-world business problems requiring deeper critical thinking, stronger analytical skills, and polished presentations. Participants are expected to analyze complex case studies, develop data-driven solutions, and deliver professional presentations—often within a limited timeframe. Competitors in the collegiate division can do events in which they will have the opportunity to search the web and create an appropriate application of the knowledge that they have found in a presentation to their judges.

Thirdly, how can high school seniors get involved in collegiate DECA early? Well, for those students who are 18 years or older, and are enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes in their high school, are often eligible to compete in competitive events at the collegiate level, including CICDC (Collegiate International Career Development Conference).

Finally, if your university does not have a collegiate chapter, there are two possible ways to get involved. The first way is to become an independent member, without a chapter; to do this, you can go to deca.org/collegiate and click on the membership tab. The second way is to understand Collegiate DECA’s requirements, such as the minimum number of members, faculty advisor, permission from the university and registration with the national organization. The university permission can come from either the business department or from the university as a whole. To obtain recognition by your university you will need to submit a constitution, leadership structure, and plan chapter activities. Once approved by your school, register your chapter through the Collegiate DECA website, pay dues, plan more events, and grow your chapter. If done with care, a DECA chapter can be a great way to enrich your university’s campus and students.

In conclusion, we all are aware of the impact that DECA has at the high school level, no matter if you were a competitor, SBE worker, or state officer. It is also true that DECA does not have to end after high school. No matter what you want out of your college experience, Collegiate DECA can create a tailored path for you.

Written by Vice President- Peyton Wormer