INSPIRE THE NEXT BIG THING

Connect your organization with California’s future business leaders while supporting career-connected learning, student achievement, and workforce development.

California DECA offers flexible ways for businesses, colleges, and community organizations to engage with students through sponsorship, exhibiting, career development event support, and volunteer judging.

WHY CALIFORNIA DECA?

California DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship.

Through career development events, leadership training, and industry engagement, students gain practical experience in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and professional decision-making.

Partners help make these experiences possible while building meaningful connections with students, educators, and future professionals. Partnerships extend beyond our annual conference through year-round opportunities to engage students, advisors, and educators across California.

IMPORTANT DATES

Partner Interest Form Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2027

Final Registration and Materials Deadline: Friday, January 22, 2027

Advisor Conference: September 18-19, 2026 | Costa Mesa

District Career Development Conferences:

· Silicon Valley: January 9, 2027 | Santa Clara

· Southern California: January 9, 2027 | Costa Mesa

· Northern California: January 16, 2027 | Santa Clara

State Career Development Conference: February 25-28, 2027 | Anaheim

If needed, materials for SCDC can be dropped off at the Anaheim Marriott between February 24-25 by coordinating with California DECA State Management Staff.

PARTNERSHIP SNAPSHOT

California DECA partners with organizations that inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation of leaders.

We prioritize partnerships that provide meaningful value to students through career exploration, industry engagement, educational resources, entrepreneurship, workforce development, or postsecondary opportunities.

Whether you’re an employer, college or university, training provider, educational resource, or organization committed to student success, we invite you to explore how your mission can connect with the California DECA experience.

Our goal is to create partnerships that go beyond visibility – giving students opportunities to discover careers, develop professional skills, and build connections with industry while supporting your organization’s outreach and engagement goals.

Partnership options include:

· Conference sponsorship packages

· Career development event sponsorships

· Year-round engagement with educators & student leaders

· Career & College Expo at Downtown DECA during SCDC

· Industry-aligned judging opportunities

· Custom partnership packages

Detailed pricing, benefits, expectations, and conference information are available in the California DECA Partnership Guide.

Help prepare California’s next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Questions may be directed to: partner@californiadeca.org!

All partners, sponsors, and exhibitors are subject to approval from the California Department of Education, Board of Directors, and California DECA.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at partner@californiadeca.org.

Partner Guide