Collegiate DECA Scholarship

 

Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Business and Leadership
Collegiate DECA Scholarship

Stephens College celebrates ambitious young women who are already building their leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills through DECA. The Collegiate DECA Scholarship rewards high school DECA members who demonstrate academic excellence, creative problem-solving, and a passion for making an impact in the business world.

This scholarship is your opportunity to continue your DECA journey at a college that values hands-on learning, national competition, and women’s leadership in business.

about the scholarship

Scholarship Details

Three Award Recipients:

  • Two Awards – $2,500 each
  • Top Award – $5,000

Notes:

  • Stackable with Merit
  • Total institutional aid may not exceed the cost of tuition and fees
  • Use of Funds: May be applied to tuition, fees, and textbooks

Renewability:

  • Renewable for up to four years with continued academic and DECA involvement

Special Perks

  • Paid registration to Collegiate DECA state and national competitions
  • Mentorship from Stephens DECA alumni and business faculty
  • Recognition at campus and community events

Who should apply?

  • Are active members of DECA (or similar business leadership organizations such as FBLA)
  • Plan to enroll full-time at Stephens College in a business, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, or hospitality program
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a record of community or DECA leadership
  • Demonstrate creativity, integrity, and initiative through competition or chapter activities

Application requirements

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026

Stephens College Admission Application (must be submitted or in progress)

To apply for the scholarship, please email the following to admissions@stephens.edu:

  • Official high school transcript
  • Résumé or summary of DECA involvement (roles, events, awards)
  • Short essay (500 words):“How has DECA shaped your leadership and career goals, and how will Stephens College help you continue that journey?”
  • Letter of recommendation from a DECA advisor, teacher, or mentor
    • Recommendation letters must be submitted directly by the recommender to admissions@stephens.edu. Letters sent by applicants will not be accepted.

Why Stephens?

At Stephens College, DECA isn’t just a club — it’s a credit-bearing experience. Students earn academic credit for their participation, travel to national competitions, and work directly with business leaders through immersive learning.

Our DECA chapter has earned state and national recognition, and our students consistently go on to leadership roles in corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit sectors.