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DECA’s goal is to help develop the future leaders and entrepreneurs. It is an international organization that teaches high school and college students about marketing and  business models through collaboration and competition.

“DECA is a CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education) and an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management,”said senior, Rachel Lin, the president of the club.

One project they are currently working on is researching stocks and coming up with the best strategies for investing money.

“Coming into the club we didn’t really know much about business but now we’re analyzing stocks, developing our own portfolios and really learning a lot about how the stock market works,” explained sophomore, Scott Harris, a member of the club.

A potential competition offered is the “DECA Virtual Business Challenge.” Where students will use a virtual “store” simulator to run their own business. They will have to use marketing strategies, and analyze trends.

“Also the job interviews that are part of the competitions prep us for college and real job interviews in the future, putting us one step ahead of the competition,” added Harris.

But it is not a requirement for students to be an actual member of DECA to participate in some of these competitions.

“Any Carlmont student can attend the Silicon Valley Leadership Development Conference (SVLDC) at the Harker School on Saturday, Oct. 29, for free,” said Lin.

There are currently 25 committed member in Carlmont’s DECA club, and you can find the DECA officers’ contact information at the “Carlmont DECA” website:  http://carlmontdeca.weebly.com/

If you are interested in joining DECA, potential members are welcome to attend the Silicon Valley Leadership Development Conference on Saturday, Oct. 29 at The Harker School in San Jose from 8a.m. to 3p.m. to learn about the DECA program. Carlmont DECA meets on Thursdays in room D-24 at lunch.