Which statement best describes DECA's purpose?

The purpose of DECA is fundamentally centered around enhancing the skills and knowledge of students to prepare them for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. By focusing on developing emerging leaders in these fields, DECA provides students with the practical experience and foundational understanding necessary for success in their future professional endeavors. This preparation includes hands-on learning experiences, competitive events, and comprehensive training, all aimed at fostering leadership and professionalism among students.

The other options, while they may relate to aspects of what DECA does, do not encapsulate its primary objective. Serving as a business school, for example, implies a more conventional educational model that does not fully capture DECA's hands-on, competitive approach. Offering scholarships and providing networking opportunities are components of DECA's activities but are not its primary purpose, which is geared towards overall leadership and career preparedness.