What type of student organization is DECA considered to be?

DECA is classified as a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), which means it provides students with opportunities to develop skills related to their desired careers in business and marketing. These organizations focus on preparing students for careers by offering competitive events that are grounded in real-world practices and skill development aligned with vocational education.

In a CTSO like DECA, members engage in activities such as leadership training, networking, and professional development through competitions, workshops, and conferences. This framework is designed to enhance both leadership skills and technical skills that are directly applicable to the workplace, making it distinctly different from volunteer organizations, social organizations, or purely academic organizations, which may not focus as explicitly on career readiness.