What type of organization is DECA classified as?

DECA is classified as a non-profit organization because its primary purpose is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. As a non-profit, DECA focuses on educational programs, competitions, and training rather than generating profit for shareholders. This structure allows DECA to reinvest resources back into its mission of enhancing the development of students through co-curricular activities. The non-profit status supports its efforts to provide valuable educational experiences, foster leadership skills, and promote career readiness among students, distinguishing it from governmental agencies, business corporations, and educational institutions that may have different focuses and missions related to profit-making or formal education systems.