South Carolina DECA began as the Distributors' Club in March of 1943 - the first state in the nation to organize a chapter.  The major elements of the South Carolina Distributors' Clubs' insignia, an elongated diamond, the wrapped package and the radiating lines were later incorporated into the national emblem, the DECA Diamond.  The state's colors, blue and gold, were also adopted by the national organization.  South Carolina still proudly displays the original banner at all official DECA functions. 

As a founder, South Carolina was also a charter state association of National DECA.  The charter dates from March 24, 1948, and was signed by Kenneth E. Thraikill, National President, and Lodie M. Clark, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Historically, high school state officers are elected in the spring and receive leadership training during the summer.  In the fall, leadership training is held for local officers and members, and chapters participate in the regional conference.  During the winter, local, local district and regional competitive events are held and the winners continue on to the state conference in February.  State winners proceed to the national competitions.  Participation in the national conference has increased.

South Carolina has served as the host state for two regional conference, the 1982 Southern Region DECA Conference in Myrtle Beach and the 1993 Southern Region DECA Conference in Charleston.

SC DECA Chapter:

Academy for Technology & Academics

Aiken High School

Barnwell County Vocational Center

Beaufort High School

Bluffton High School

Blythewood High School

Brookland-Cayce High School

Calhoun County High School

Cane Bay High School

Cane Bay High School

Chester County Career Center

Clover High School

Daniel Morgan Technology Center

Darlington County Institute of Technology

Dutch Fork High School

Fairfield County Career Center

Florence Career Center

Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center

Garrett Academy of Technology

Golden Strip Career Center

Goose Creek High School

James Island High School

Lexington Technology Center

Lower Richland High School

Marlboro County High School

Midland Valley High School

Myrtle Beach High

North Myrtle Beach High School

R.B. Stall High School

Ridge View High School

Samuel A. Heyward Career Center

Socastee High School

South Aiken High School

Thunderbolt Career & Technology

Timberland High School

Travelers Rest High School

Wando High School

West Ashley High School

White Knoll High School