Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) has been around for some time, but this year, there are now over 100 students part of DECA at Camas High School (CHS).

The club is taken alongside marketing classes that are available for all students. It offers the chance to comfortably grow skills in interviewing, marketing and talking with potential clients. DECA takes learning to the next level by allowing students to put their skills to the test and compete against other students in local and state competitions.

Using the skills learned in the classroom, students can sell items to raise money for other expenses. One of their more popular items is their signature coffee sale, which takes place in November. DECA students design their posters to market their sales during lunches for all students to purchase.

DECA also runs the program All Paws on Deck, which gives local dogs a chance to run for dog mayor of Camas. Money made in the event goes to charity, with this year earning $2,600 for the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. This year, DECA has increased its numbers thanks to the program’s marketing to students coming into high school.

“I think we more than doubled our numbers this year, and it’s because our advanced students and officers did a really good job of marketing the program to the eighth graders last year,” DECA advisor Courtney Sanchez said. 

“I first learned about DECA through marketing students who came to my middle school throughout the end of the year to present to students who are transitioning to high school,” freshman Natalie Boyd said.

So, why are students joining DECA? Those who want to continue to a business career benefit significantly from joining due to the work experience and public speaking skills the club gives them.

“It taught me how to be confident presenting in front of a crowd, which has helped me throughout many classes,” junior Juliana Corbett said. “I have carried these skills with me throughout high school and will continue to use them outside of school, like in a job interview.”

“[DECA] helps [students] with interview skills, professional speaking skills as well as general marketing skills,” Sanchez said. 

Students can then move into college with a running start in business classes that boost confidence and skills needed to work in the real world.