CTE Expo 2026

Date: May 21st

Location: Del Norte High School

Extra Credit Theme: What you saw and what you learned?

Proof of Experience

Caption:
At the CTE Expo, I was exploring the DECA stand, where I got an overview of how the club is run and what exactly it does.

Before the Event

Before attending the CTE Expo, I expected to learn about opportunities offered and wanted to see if there was I was interested in.

Curiosity Before Attending

I was curious about what courses were offered and what they were about. I was also wondering if there was anything there that I found interesting and might participate in.

What I Saw

Booths I saw included DECA, where I learned about how the business club is run and what you do, Team Optix, Del Norte’s robotics club, which I am a part of, lots of art, and many other booths showcasing a variety of opportunities and classes. I also viewed projects by CSP and CSA.

Most Interesting Thing I Saw

The most interesting thing I saw was a sheep. Not anything related to the CTE, I think, but I thought it was interesting. Relating to CTE, I really enjoyed the DECA stand, where I learned a lot about how the business club works and what you do in the club.

What I Learned

One thing I learned at the DECA stand was the different departments in the club and how they functioned. It wasn’t just all business, there was a marketing department as well as finance, which showed me that the entire club wasn’t pure business, but multiple disciplines that together, all relate to business.

What Surprised Me

What surprised me about the DECA stand was how versatile it was. I knew that it had something to do with business, however I did not realize how in depth it was. I had different clusters of business, you get to goon fun trips, and meet new people. Apparently we have even gotten people from DNHS qualify at the international level

What Inspired Me

What inspired me the most was how dedicated all of the kids in the club were. They were really enthusiastic and strongly believed int heir club.

Personal Connection

This connected to my personal interests because while it isn’t directly related to my intended major in college, what I learned in the short time I was there helped me to better understand how to pitch ideas and raise funding for them, which will ultimately help me reach some of my goals.

Interaction

Person or group I learned from: Rishab Shyamal & Mayukh Penukonda

They explained to me how DECA was able to translate things from ideas to applications in real life, and how the club helps you to develop communication and networking skills.

Depth of Experience

The CTE changed my view on classes offered at school, as it showed me a variety of classes offered at PUSD schools that aren’t just academic. There were many classes for those with certain interest to help them prepare for a job.

Connection to CS or Future Goals

My computer science classes teach me the technical skills needed to build software and write code. DECA complements this by teaching me the business skills to understand user needs and market demand. Together, they allow me to create technology that solves real-world problems.

Final Reflection

The CTE event was meaningful to me because it gave me a better understanding of how to better connect with the people who would help me grow and invest in projects and such. It was also meaningful to me because it got me excited for AP CSP and CSA.

Biggest Takeaway

My biggest takeaway from the CTE Expo was that there are many course offerings depending on what your interests are to help you develop skills that will help you in your future.