Bring DECA to Your School

If you’re interested in bringing DECA to your school, explore the criteria to determine if your school is eligible to start a DECA chapter. Once your request is approved, Maryland DECA will be with you every step of the way to help you make your DECA chapter a rewarding educational experience for you and your members.

Six Simple Steps

1 - Meet DECA Inc. Requirements

All DECA chapters must be part of a public or private high school, must have a chapter advisor recognized by the school and must have a minimum chapter size of ten (10) student members and one (1) advisor.
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The chapter must pay dues (DECA Inc. and chartered association) for each of its advisor, student, alumni and professional members.

The chapter must also meet all requirements of the chartered association in step two.

2 - Meet Your Association's Requirements

If your chapter meets the basic requirements set forth in step one, your chapter must also meet all requirements set forth by Maryland DECA, your chartered association. Maryland DECA implements programs and manages chapters within the State of Maryland.

All chapters must first have a designated adult chapter advisor who is employed by the chapter’s school and recognized by the administration.

3 - Obtain the Approval of Your School

Once you know your chapter can meet the DECA Inc. requirements and your association’s requirements, the next step is to ensure you have the support of your school’s leadership group. This may be your principal or Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director.

4 - Officially Request to Start a Chapter

After you receive approval from all parties, get the official process rolling by completing a new chapter request form. Be sure to first select MARYLAND and division – high school. This step MUST be completed by the adult who will serve as the chapter advisor. Students who complete this form will not be allowed to move forward until an adult advisor has been identified.

Once the Maryland DECA Chartered Association Advisor has completed the advisor interview and approves your chapter, the chapter advisor will be able to officially start the new chapter.

5 - Get Approval and Make It Official by Submitting Your Members

Once you get approval, the new chapter advisor will be able to make your chapter’s membership official by entering your membership roster. Once all of your membership has been entered, be sure to actually hit submit and send your dues to DECA Inc. If dues are not submitted, your students are not official DECA members.

6 - Get Connected + Get Started

Advisors should stay in contact contact with the Maryland DECA chartered association advisor. Then, visit Bring Your Classroom to Life and Advisor Resource Center for information on how to build and grow your chapter. Check out the 10 Steps to Getting Started with DECA.