Become a State Officer

Running for Pennsylvania DECA State Office is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a DECA member. As a state officer, you are responsible for leading Pennsylvania DECA’s members towards a prosperous future. State officers will design and coordinate the following year’s goals and objectives including designing new recruitment strategies, developing community outreach activities, and setting an example for future leaders. If you think you have what it takes to become a Pennsylvania DECA State Officer, read on!

Dedication and Committment

Pennsylvania DECA State Officers dedicate their time and energy to improving upon the experiences our members have every day. Before you begin to apply, take a moment to answer the following questions:

  • Am I physically and mentally ready for the hard work and dedication that it takes to be a successful State Officer?
  • Am I able to cope with the travel and being away from school, home, family and friends required to be a successful State Officer?
  • Am I ready for the many speaking engagements that are required of State Officers?
  • Am I willing and able to undertake all the communication activities necessary to keep chapters, officers and advisors informed about DECA and my activities?
  • Am I a self-starter, the kind of person others can depend upon to carry out the duties of an office without a great deal of supervision?
  • Am I knowledgeable about Pennsylvania DECA (programming opportunities, conferences, governance, the Plan of Action, etc.)?

If you answered YES to all of these questions, congratulations! You’re ready to begin the path to running for state office.

Requirements

Being a state officer requires commitment and dedication. In order to qualify as a Pennsylvania DECA State Officer candidate, you must have the approval of your chapter advisor and meet the stringent requirements below:

  • Completed Application (available on this page)
  • Letter of recommendation from teacher, advisor, or administrator
  • 2.5 GPA (out of 4.0) or higher
  • Signed Code of Conduct
  • School Transcript
  • Passing score on State Officer Test

In addition to these requirements, Pennsylvania DECA State Officers must attend the following mandatory events throughout the year in order to remain a part of the state officer team:

  • Summer Leadership Training
  • State Conference Planning Workshop
  • State Career Development Conference

Elections

State Officers are elected to their positions. District Representatives are elected at their local/regional district conferences and all remaining State Officer positions are voted upon at the State Career Development Conference. Members must be a current due-paying student in 9th-11th grade to run for state office.

Term

State Officers serve for one term in their position unless re-elected for the same or different position.

Code of Conduct

State officers are the elected representatives of the student membership of the high school division. Each state officer has a responsibility to conduct him/herself in a highly professional manner at all times. A state officer’s conduct must be above reproach. State Officers are required to abide by the Code of Conduct at all times, regardless of event or locale. Officers found in violation of the Code of Conduct may be dismissed from office. The full Code of Conduct is available in the Student Officer Handbook.

Required Forms

Pennsylvania DECA State Officer candidates must complete the following steps in order to be eligible for an officer position:

  • Complete Candidate Information and Permission Sheet
  • Review and sign State Officer Code of Conduct
  • Present a 250-word essay entitled “Why I Want To Be a Pennsylvania DECA State Officer”
  • Present a letter of recommendation from my chapter advisor indicating my membership in DECA, my chapter involvement, my leadership abilities and my poise in dealing with people
  • Complete all required steps in the State Officer Handbook

Become a State Officer

Get the materials you need to begin your journey!

State Officer Candidate Packet
State Officer Test Study Guide