What is a CDE/LDE?

Career/Leadership Development Events build on what is learned in agricultural classes and encourage members to put their knowledge into practice. These events are designed to help a member prepare for a career in agriculture by testing and challenging the student's technical, leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills as well as their knowledge of the subject matter. 

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In California, there are thirty-one career development events (CDEs), seven leadership development events (LDEs) and three activities that cover job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others requite students to work together in a team.