Enhancing the leadership skills of its members is one of the core principles of DECA. The best place to find the kind of training that is necessary for developing these skills is at the DECA International Career Development Conference. Below are the leadership academy options for the ICDC. As you will see, there is a place for every student who is serious about acquiring the skills that will make him/her successful in business and in life.

DECA's Leadership Development Academy (LDA) - program sponsor, JC Penney

The Leadership Development Academy (LDA) is an exhilarating educational experience for DECA members who want to hone their abilities as leaders. The former DECA state and national officers that lead this program create interactive leadership and competitive events training experiences.

At the International Career Development Conference, the program is open to DECA members who are not participating in ICDC competitive events and is recommended for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. LDA trainers will share their extensive DECA experience and knowledge of teamwork, effective communication, vision development, and professionalism. Students who attend will learn essential chapter management skills, network with leaders from across DECA's associations, and have a great time!

DECA Leadership Education and Development Series (LEADS) - program sponsor, JC Penney

DECA LEADS has been developed for high school state/provincial officers and provides a unique opportunity to secure advanced team and leadership building skills with the help of leadership training professionals. DECA LEADS provides dynamic officer training that produces a unified, accountable, and results-driven partnership between the national, state/provincial, and local levels.

The first step in the DECA LEADS program is the "OfficerShip" training conducted at the International Career Development Conference. This two-day training brings the role of Officer together with leadership and emphasizes the essential plans, goals, action items and skills needed for each team to achieve success within their state or province.

DECA's Senior Management Institute (SMI) – title sponsor, JC Penney

The Senior Management Institute is available to all high school seniors who are not participating in ICDC competitive events. The purpose of the SMI is to serve as a bridge to real–world careers. The 12-hour institute will prepare students with life skills that they can use to be successful in the business world or in college. Part of the time will be spent creating an action plan for life, along with a personal mission statement. High on the list of skills the institute develops are teamwork skills, group dynamics, decision making and conflict resolution.

An exciting part of the SMI is the Executive Mentorship Program where attendees are grouped in roundtable discussions with top corporate executives. The executives will share their experiences and strategies in an intimate setting that allows for questions and one–on–one networking.

Chapter Management Academy (CMA)

Upcoming chapter officers or potential chapter officers are invited to participate in this dynamic academy that covers all of the essentials for a successful DECA year at the chapter level. Designed to allow attendees to "hit the ground running" when returning to their home chapters, DECA leaders will leave this academy knowing how to conduct productive meetings and will have a program of work that will get the year off to an effective start immediately. Group dynamics/committees, social activities and fundraising are just some of the other topics that will be covered; and there will be a special emphasis on community service. Networking and an exchange of ideas give participants a file of "best practices" from chapters all over the U.S. to use in their own locale.

Many local chapter leaders leave this academy excited and prepared not only to tackle their chapter’s work, but also eager to go on to a state office. This is the perfect foundation for that step as this TRI/Your Next Speaker program is the perfect lead–in to the DECA Leadership Education and Development Series (LEADS) which trains state officers. The CMA will motivate your key members and teach them how to be a force in developing your DECA Chapter.