The History of NH DECA

The organization was chartered in New Hampshire in 1957 and is one of the oldest state level DECA organizations in the country. National DECA was founded in 1956 as a student vocational enhancement of the Distributive Education programs nationwide. This designation evolved into the term Marketing Education in the 1980’s, and has expanded in scope to focus on developing business skills beyond traditional selling, shop management, and business operations. DECA in New Hampshire currently has chapters in thirteen schools in New Hampshire, from Plymouth Regional High School to Manchester Central to Phillips Exeter Academy to the Lakes Region Technology Center, to name just four.

The key element of our success in New Hampshire is the tireless effort of our chapter advisors, those teachers who have taken on the leadership and guidance of the students in their programs. Also important is the support and encouragement of school and district administrators who help our programs succeed. New Hampshire DECA also is affiliated with a few collegiate level programs such as those at SNHU and New England College, as well as Middle School programs which are under development in places such as Hillsboro and Nashua.