CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

A Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) is an intracurricular, organized group established for students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to further their knowledge and skills by participating in real world activities, events, and competitions.

Mission and Purpose

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) enhance student learning through contextual instruction, leadership, personal development, applied learning, and real-world application. CTSOs are intracurricular and work as an integral component of the classroom curriculum and instruction, building upon employability and career skills and concepts through the application and engagement of students in hands- on demonstrations and real-life and/or work experiences through a CTE program. CTSOs help guide students in developing a career path, a program of study and provide opportunities in gaining the skills and abilities needed to be successful in those careers through CTSO activities, programs, and competitive events. In addition, students have opportunities to hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels and attend leadership development conferences to network with other students and business and industry partners. 

 

DECA is an international organization available to all high school students who are currently enrolled in Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education courses. Through activities at the local, state and national level DECA members have the opportunity to enhance their working knowledge of vocational understanding, community service, leadership development, and social intelligence. Since its conception, DECA has developed a competitive events program for students to compete against peers for recognition of skills necessary for marketing careers. DECA Competitive Events parallel Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education curricula and industry-validated competencies. Participants compete in written papers, tests, and role-playing events that simulate actual business situations. They are judged by business people in the specific occupational area. 

 

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that significantly enhances Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education. Established in 1945, FCCLA focuses on personal growth and leadership development through FCS education, emphasizing roles such as family member, wage earner, and community leader. The organization provides teacher-developed and student-tested project-based learning strategies, shifting the responsibility for achieving Career and Technical Education (CTE) and FCS program outcomes to students. Through various intracurricular chapter programs and projects, students deepen their understanding of FCS 5 North Carolina Career and Technical Education Course Inventory  standards and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. FCCLA most directly supports careers in arts and design, hospitality and tourism, education, and human services. 

 

Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) education association with a quarter-million students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. FBLA is organized on local, state, and national levels. Business teachers, advisors, and advisory councils (including school officials, businesspeople, and community representatives) guide local chapters. State advisers and committee members coordinate chapter activities for the national organization. FBLA is the largest business career student organization in the world. 

 

The US Department of Education and the Health Science Education Division of ACTE endorses HOSA - Future Health Professionals. HOSA -Future Health Professionals, a career and technical student organization, is for students who are or have been enrolled in a Health Science Education program or are interested in a healthcare career. The mission of HOSA is to empower Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience. As an international organization, HOSA - Future Health Professionals has over 300,000 members globally. More than 90 competitive events include health science, health professions, emergency preparedness, leadership, teamwork, and recognition events. 

 

FFA is the agricultural education youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. FFA develops members' potential and helps them discover their talent through hands on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers, and premier professionals in many career fields. FFA is a diverse organization, operating in rural, urban, and suburban schools. Students aged 12-21 enrolled in agricultural educational programs are eligible for membership. FFA is one of the three instructional components of agricultural education. 

 

SkillsUSA is a partnership of education and industry designed to strengthen our nation’s skilled workforce. Our mission is to empower our members to become world-class workers and leaders. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. SkillsUSA empowers students to become skilled professionals and career-ready leaders, providing every member the opportunity for career success. SkillsUSA changes lives by providing opportunities for leadership, developing their future careers, having dedicated and passionate trade instructors, and connecting with industry leaders in their communities and nationwide. SkillsUSA student members have the opportunity to develop and participate in a variety of activities and competitive events that showcase their personal, workplace, and technical skills at the local, regional, state, and national levels.