One of the many exciting benefits for students in Leander ISD Career & Technical Education classes is the opportunity to join and participate in a variety of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO).

These organizations provide students the chance to apply their CTE curriculum in competitive events as well as develop their leadership skills for the future. Students in our Business, Marketing and Finance program of study have an opportunity to participate in DECA as a CTSO. 

DECA is a national organization representing nearly 250,000 members from across the country. Part of the organization’s mission is to prepare future leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in fields like marketing, finance, hospitality and management. 

 “We are involved, both individually and collaboratively, in multi-level competitions and local community service projects,” Cedar Park High School teacher and DECA advisor Dianna Gage said. “Especially after COVID, the communication and soft skills we work on and practice are needed in all walks of life and businesses.  It doesn’t matter if you want to be an influencer, work for a fortune 500 company, or be a professional athlete, DECA can assist in reaching those goals.”

Student’s involved in their campus’ DECA chapter are eligible to participate in a variety of competitive events and challenges aligned to their career cluster. These competitions are industry-validated and provide students with hands-on opportunities to put their learned skills to the test. 

Last year, Leander ISD DECA students came away with some incredible success, including at the DECA International Career Development Conference. Top 3 finishers at ICDC included:

  • The Cedar Park team of Ethne Barnes, Claire Poulter and Paisley Schalles, which finished 1st in Integrated Marketing Campaign for a Product
  • Rouse’s Pranav Boopalam, who placed 2nd, in the Professional Selling Event
  • Rouse’s team of Bhavyashree Duggirala, Srisamarth Kolnati and Ayushi Priyadarshani, which placed 2nd in Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, along with winning a $1,000 scholarship

To learn more about CTSOs visit our Student Organizations section of our CTE website.