In 1946, the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) organized around an ambitious goal: to improve educational and career opportunities in marketing, management and entrepreneurship for students. In the years since, DECA has remained on the cutting edge of educational innovation, working with the business community to integrate academic achievement with career and technical skills.

Over time, the needs of our membership have changed, and we have changed to meet them. Yet the fundamental reasons we formed remain at our core: First, effective marketing education gives young people the tools and aptitudes they need to pursue their dreams. Second, marketing education works best when it's part of an integrated education program linking cladessroom instruction with internship experience for career success.

With 180,000 student members and faculty advisors nation-wide and over 7,000 here in Florida, we function as the companion student organization to over 5,000 marketing education programs in secondary and postsecondary schools across the U.S., its territories and Canada. Our once-revolutionary ideas have become models for effective educational alternatives. DECA remains committed to the advocacy of marketing education and the growth of business and education partnerships.

For 55 years DECA, the association of marketing students, has been leading talented young people toward real careers and lifetime skills. These days, DECA is more than keeping pace. Our Competitive Events Program amplifies what students learn in the classroom and even includes the Virtual Business Challenge - a business management simulation - and the 7 UP Challenge Web design event.

Are you interested in sports and entertainment marketing, in the travel or hospitality business, in fashion, in a retail career, in advertising, in the restaurant trade? Activities and skills in these and any other marketing specialty are available to you in DECA. And along the way you'll make friendships that will last forever.