For nearly a decade, Amador Valley’s Business Academy has prepared future business professionals through lessons, workshops, and competitive events. Hosting meetings every Thursday in P-9 at lunch, Business Academy is a sub-club of DECA, one of the largest clubs on campus, and has historically catered to students interested in business who may not meet the DECA requirement of taking a CTE course.
However, in the past year, the club has faced tremendous growth, redefining its programs and audiences.
“Business academy has grown so much this year, from becoming more active on social media to increasing our membership each year. By providing these opportunities to students, we give them hands-on experience in business fields that allows them to build their skills and abilities while helping local businesses grow,” said AVHS DECA Co-President Sooha Kim (‘26).
New beginnings
Starting from the 2024-2025 school year, Business Academy has been running the “AVHS Consulting” initiative, which pairs motivated business-oriented students with local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. Through the program, Business Academy students can help their respective establishments, and by extension their local community, with promotion, social media marketing, logistical planning, data analysis, and organizational support, while also gaining real-world experience in this internship-style program. Not only is the Consulting Program continuing to expand, supporting the local restaurant, education, and fitness and wellness industries, but it has also undergone critical improvements this past semester.
“Business Academy has made a tremendous impact through the Consulting Program by providing students with experience in marketing, outreach, optimization, and even finance,” said AVHS DECA Co-President Siddarth Karthik (’26).
Connections and opportunities
Aside from the Consulting Program, the club continues to foster relationships between its members and the wider business community. Ranging from new-to-business freshmen to accomplished DECA members, Business Academy connects a diverse group of students, while also providing enrichment activities such as DECA Minicons (mini-conferences) and guest speakers for members.
“My favorite part of Business Academy is how supportive everyone is of each other. Everyone works together and wants the best for each other, which opens growth opportunities,” said Karthik.
Additionally, many comment on the club’s practicality for life beyond high school. By exposing students to unique opportunities, Business Academy serves as one of the few clubs at Amador that includes experiences beyond its weekly meetings.
“The club supports students in gaining valuable real-world business knowledge, something you can’t find in a traditional classroom. The professional and life skills taught in Business Academy will continue throughout our lifetime,” said Cara Li (‘27).
