Career & Technical Student Organizations
Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) are an integral part of all CTE programs. CTSOs develop citizenship, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills essential for students who are preparing for the workforce and further education. They enhance students’ civic awareness and provide opportunities for developing social competencies and a wholesome attitude about living and working. CTSOs provide a unique instructional method for attaining the competency goals and objectives identified in each course. Their activities are considered a part of the instructional day when they are directly related to the competencies and objectives in course blueprints.
DECA, a national association of marketing education students, provides teachers and members with educational and leadership development activities to merge with the education classroom instructional program. DECA chapters attract students who are interested in preparing for entrepreneurial, marketing or management careers. Each year more than 110,000 students participate in the competitions on the local, state and national levels.
HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America, is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE. HOSA’s two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA’s goal is to encourage all health occupations instructors and students to join and be actively involved in the HSTE-HOSA Partnership.
HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in HSTE programs. HOSA is 100% health care!
FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) education association of students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. The Association has four divisions:
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FBLA for high school students
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FBLA Middle Level for junior high, middle and intermediate school students
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PBL for postsecondary students
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Professional Alumni Division for business people, educators and parents, who support the goals of the Association
The FBLA-PBL Mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
FCCLA, Family, Community Career Leaders of America members actively address societal concerns, including environment, nutrition, safety, and family literacy across the nation. Another important concern is racism and prejudice. By exploring and creating awareness about various cultures we are not only teaching multiculturalism, but also defeating the ignorance that causes hurtful and destructive behaviors.
FFA, Future Farmers of America makes a positive difference in the lives of more than 450,000 young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. FFA chapters can be found in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and Rota. From floriculture to genetic engineering and raising crops or animals to marketing, there are more than 300 diverse careers in agriculture.
Skills USA is a national organization serving more than 240,000 high school students and professional members enrolled in training programs for technical, skilled and service occupations. It provides high quality educational experiences for students in leadership, citizenship, and character development. It builds and reinforces self confidence, work attitudes and communication skills. More than 1,000 corporations, trade associations, and labor unions actively support Skills USA on a national level through financial aid, in-kind contributions, and involvement of their people in Skills USA activities.
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests. Together, chapter members work on competitive events, attend conferences on the state and national levels and have a good time raising funds to get there. Chapter organization develops leadership, as members may become officers within their state and then run nationally. Our chapters are committed to a national service project and are among the most service-oriented groups in the community.
National Website
State Website