CTE Pathway · DECA-aligned
How an Arizona high schooler moves from a marketing-curious 9th grader into the AZ business workforce — through DECA's role-play-driven competitive pipeline.
Stage 1 of 4
Marketing, business management, and entrepreneurship coursework anchors the academic credentials. AZ districts with strong CTE pathways offer Marketing I/II, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, and dual-enrollment business courses.
Stage 2 of 4
DECA's role-play-driven events (Marketing Communications, Hospitality Services, Restaurant Management, Sports & Entertainment Marketing) build muscle for real client-facing work. AZ DECA holds CDC (state competition) in late winter, with top finishers advancing to ICDC (international).
Stage 3 of 4
AZ marketing internships cluster at the major employers (American Express in Phoenix, GoDaddy, State Farm, Discover). Plus summer programs at the AZ business schools that admit the strongest candidates.
Stage 4 of 4
Senior year: applications to AZ marketing programs (ASU W. P. Carey marketing concentration, UA Eller, NAU Franke), scholarships, and direct paths into AZ marketing roles. AZ has a strong tech-marketing ecosystem (PayPal, GoDaddy, eBay) plus traditional retail/hospitality marketing.
For counselors & advisors
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