The DECA Scholarship Program provides over $200,000 in scholarships annually to high school and college members. These are strictly merit-based awards, funded by DECA’s corporate partners, designed to support students pursuing degrees in business, finance, hospitality, management, or marketing.
The primary deadline for the 2026 application cycle is rapidly approaching. Preparation is essential, as the application requires transcripts, recommendations, and a strong statement of interest.
Scholarship Overview: DECA Awards
DECA scholarships are unique because eligibility is tied to your membership and involvement in the organization.
| Feature | Detail |
| Total Value | Over $200,000 available annually |
| Award Range | Typically $1,000 to $5,000 per recipient |
| Eligibility | Must be a current DECA member (High School or Collegiate) |
| Primary Deadline | January 9, 2026 (For most corporate awards) |
| Selection Basis | Strictly Merit-Based (DECA involvement, leadership, academic performance) |
Key Corporate and Partner Scholarships (Jan 9, 2026 Deadline)
DECA administers scholarships from numerous corporate and regional partners, each with specific criteria. You can and should apply for multiple awards if you meet the requirements.
| Scholarship Award (Example) | Criteria | Value | Deadline |
| DECA Inc. Scholarships | Intend to pursue business, finance, hospitality, management, or marketing | $2,000 (5 awards) | Jan 9, 2026 |
| Harry Applegate Program | Based on DECA involvement, leadership, community service, and academics | Varies ($1,000 – $5,000) | Jan 9, 2026 |
| Publix Super Markets | DECA or Collegiate DECA members who are Publix associates (requires essay) | $1,000 (5 awards) | Jan 9, 2026 |
| AICPA Foundation | High school senior, 3.0+ GPA, intending to major in accounting | $1,000 (2 awards) | Mar 15, 2026 |
| NSHSS + DECA | High school junior/senior, NSHSS member, pursuing business/finance/marketing (requires essay) | $1,000 (3 awards) | Jan 8, 2026 |
Application Requirements (Critical Checklist)
The application process is handled through the DECA student member portal and requires several key documents. The 2025-2026 window does not have a preliminary round, so all items must be submitted by the deadline.
- ✅ Current DECA Membership: Mandatory requirement for eligibility.
- ✅ Three Letters of Recommendation: Required for the general application.
- ✅ Transcript: Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Note: The AICPA scholarship requires a 3.0 unweighted GPA minimum.
- ✅ Resume: Detailed resume of your accomplishments.
- ✅ Statement of Interest: An opportunity to share your future goals, interests, and why you deserve the scholarship (no word limit specified).
Important Tip: Be detailed in your profile, including specifics about your DECA competitive events (event, placing, level) to showcase your impact.
How to Apply: The Online Portal
The application must be completed through the DECA membership system.
- Log In: Use your DECA membership ID as your username to log into the student member portal.
- Complete Profile: Fill out your scholarship profile completely, detailing your involvement, leadership, community service, and academics.
- Apply to Multiple: Apply only for the scholarships that match your specific criteria, career interests, and academic level (High School or Collegiate). You can apply for more than one.
International GPA Converter (4.0 Scale)
Estimate your unweighted GPA by selecting the grade value for up to 5 courses. This is for quick reference only.
| Course Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| Course 1 | |
| Course 2 | |
| Course 3 | |
| Course 4 | |
| Course 5 |
Your Estimated GPA: 0.00
Note: This is an unweighted estimate. Always use official WES/IEE services for final scholarship applications.
Conclusion: Act Before January 9
With the bulk of the corporate scholarships closing on January 9, 2026, immediate action is required. Focus on securing your three letters of recommendation and tailoring your Statement of Interest to stand out from other applicants.
Start your DECA scholarship application today to fund your future in business and entrepreneurship!
| Scholarship Category | Direct Application Link (URL) | Action |
| Official DECA Scholarship Portal | DECA Student Scholarship Application Site | CRITICAL: Use this link to log in and access all available scholarships. |
| NSHSS + DECA Scholarship | NSHSS DECA Scholarship Portal | Deadline is January 8, 2026. |
| AICPA Foundation DECA | AICPA Foundation DECA Student Scholarship | Deadline is March 15, 2026. |
