DECA Student Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by DECA Scholarship Program
Introduction
DECA’s scholarship program awards more than $200,000 each year to high school and collegiate DECA members at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). DECA Inc. manages the scholarship process according to donor-established guidelines, and all awards are strictly merit-based.
Key dates
- Applications are open now and must be completed by January 9, 2026.
- The 2025–2026 scholarship cycle does not include a preliminary round; all required materials must be submitted by the January 9, 2026 deadline.
How to apply
- Submit your application through this website. To start, create an account by selecting "CREATE AN ACCOUNT" and entering your information.
- You will be required to upload an official transcript and provide three letters of recommendation, along with any additional documentation specified for particular scholarships.
- Make sure every required item is uploaded by January 9, 2026 (no preliminary round will take place for this cycle).
Eligibility and common questions
- Must I be a current DECA member?
Yes. Only active DECA members are eligible. If your school has a DECA chapter, contact the chapter advisor or your school counselor to join.
- Do I have to attend ICDC to receive a scholarship?
No. Attendance at the International Career Development Conference is not a requirement to receive a DECA scholarship.
- Do I need to be a high school senior to apply?
No. Members at all grade levels—including high school freshmen through Collegiate DECA members—may apply unless a specific scholarship states a grade-level or collegiate restriction.
If you have further questions about specific scholarship requirements, documentation, or deadlines, refer to the individual scholarship descriptions on this site or contact DECA for assistance.