The purposes of Delaware DECA are:

• To unite in a common bond, without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin, fulltime students enrolled in classes in marketing education.
• To provide leadership and set an example for the local chapters, while at the same time serving them, with the primary purpose of creating a strong unity among the individual chapters.
• To provide recognition and prestige through an association of local chapters.
• To provide leadership and service for the individual members of each chapter, in the areas of social intelligence, civic consciousness, vocational understanding, and leadership development, as represented by the four points of the DECA Diamond
• To foster a deep respect for the dignity of work, while assisting students in establishing realistic career goals and attaining a purposeful life.
• To create enthusiasm for learning, and to use this enthusiasm to promote high standards in quality of work, pride, scholarship, and human relations.
• To develop the ability of students to plan together, organize, and carry out worthy activities and projects through the use of the democratic process.
• To foster a wholesome understanding of the functions of marketing and management organizations and a recognition of their mutual interdependence.
• To develop patriotism through a knowledge of our nations heritage and the practice of democracy.

DECA Mission:

• The mission of DECA is to enhance the co-curricular education of students with interests in marketing, management and entrepreneurship.
• DECA helps students develop skills and competence for marketing careers, build self-esteem, experience leadership and practice community service.
• DECA is committed to the advocacy of marketing education and the growth of business and education partnerships.

DECA Creed:

• I believe in the future, which I am planning for myself in the field of marketing and management, and in the opportunities which my vocation offers.
• I believe in fulfilling the highest measure of service to my vocation, my fellow beings, my country, and my God- that by so doing, I will be rewarded with personal satisfaction and material wealth.
• I believe in the democratic philosophies of private enterprise and competition, and in the freedoms of this nation-that these philosophies allow for the fullest development of my individual abilities.
• I believe that by doing my best to live according to these high principles, I will be of greater service both to myself and to mankind.

What are the benefits of DECA?

• Enables students to achieve high academic and occupational standards.
• Develop meaningful partnerships.
• Links school based learning to the real world of work and family.
• Motivates youth to become better students and productive citizens.
• Provides students an opportunity to excel.
• Gain confidence through competition.
• Belonging to a positive group.

Goals of DECA

DECA has identified the following major goals for the membership in secondary schools:

• To provide an opportunity for demonstration and development of the competencies important to student success in there chosen marketing career.
• To inspire and develop leadership, self-confidence and self-acceptance in students.
• To support the development of student civic responsibility in our competitive free enterprise system.
• To inspire students to assess and improve personal and business communication skills.
• To provide an opportunity for students to identify and develop ethical standards in marketing.
• To provide a mechanism to involve teachers, administrators, employers, parents, business and community leaders in the Marketing Education experiences of students.

DECA Colors

The colors of DECA are Blue and Gold. Blue is the color which suggests sincerity and genuineness. It is the color of the heavens above us. It encourages us to reach ever upward, continually trying to improve ourselves and our services. It suggests that we should be true to ourselves.

Gold suggests the crowning success which comes to one who lives usefully and wisely. We are all seekers after success, not only because of the wealth it brings, but mainly because of the satisfaction which attends it.

DECA Emblem

The national emblem of DECA is attractive, significant, and meaningful. This emblem is a diamond-shaped symbol with lines extending from the diamond. These lines signify action which is essential in the constantly changing world of marketing and management. "DECA" is emblazoned over these lines and the descriptive line, "An Association of Marketing Students" identifies the membership of DECA. The emblem is representative of the close cooperation among the school, parents, students and businesses in preparing for a well-rounded education basic for success in a career in marketing and management.

The four points of the DECA diamond symbolize:

Vocational Understanding

The student acquires a firsthand knowledge of marketing and management and the opportunities available in a chosen career. This preparation allows the student to competently and confidently enter the world of business.

Civic Consciousness

Through both class and chapter activities, the student learn to recognize obligations to the local community, thereby creating a sense of responsible citizenship.

Social Intelligence

Through DECA social events, the student is given an opportunity to participate in many activities designed to develop poise and social skills necessary in the business environment and in daily life.

Leadership Development

Through DECA activities, the student is given and opportunity to participate in local, state and national activities designed to develop leadership skills.

Diamond in design and gold in appearance, the DECA emblem symbolizes those intrinsic values one must possess to become a leader in marketing and management.