Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)

A career and technical student organization is an integral part of a high quality Career and Technical Education program.  All programs are encouraged to operate CTSOs as an intracurricular component.  For more information about individual CTSOs, contact the local school districts' Career Technical Education director.

A.  The purposes of CTSOs are as follows:

• To encourage the development of occupational skills, knowledge, and abilities to a high level of proficiency;

• To develop leadership ability through participation in educational, career and technical education, civic, recreational, and social activities;

• To develop character and to prepare members for useful citizenship and foster patriotism; 

• To motivate students and vitalize the instructional program;

• To develop and strengthen the confidence of young people in themselves and their work;

• To unite in a common bond without regard to race, creed, or national origin, students with similar career objectives;

• To assist students in refining their career objectives through realistic training;

• To develop a sense of social acceptability and individual responsibility toward the home and community;

• To encourage scholastic improvement and school loyalty.

B. Benefits to Participating Students, Teachers, Schools and Communities:

• Provide incentives to students to improve personal and occupational skills;

• Provide career awareness and exploration activities and leadership development opportunities for students;

• Motivates students;

• Publicizes the career and technical education program, school and community;

• Provides an established recognition program with awards for students achievement;

• Involves students in community service activities;

• Students are better trained to enter the work force.

C.  Experiences and Opportunities for CTSO Members:

Through CTSO conferences, workshops and competitive events, students gain a sense of belonging, increase ability to adjust, and strengthen career-related skills.

D.  Operational Structure:

The local chapter is the foundation for the organization.  Chapters are organized in the local high school or area career and technical center based on the school's CTE program.  The teacher serves as the advisor for the local chapter.  Student officers are elected each year and their function is to aid in planning and leading local, regional or district and state and national activities.

Each CTSO has a State Advisory Board that provides direction for the state organization.  Local advisors and some business and industry personnel serve on the board.

E.  Finances:

In order for students and advisors to be considered members of a CTSO, they must pay annual membership dues.  Generally, there are dues at the local, state, and national levels.  The amount of the local dues is set at the school level while the state and national dues are set by their respective levels.  Payment of dues can be the responsibility of each student or they can be paid by the local chapter through fundraising, school contributions, or support from business and industry.

Costs to attend conferences and activities are the responsibility of the local chapter and are generally paid from revenue earned through fundraising activities.  There are many fundraising activities that can relate to the career and technical program and, therefore, serve as a fundraiser as well as an educational activity.

 

Career and technical education state aid added cost funds can be used to pay for teacher/advisor expenses (mileage, meals, lodging, etc.) to attend regional/state/national conferences and activities.  These added cost funds can also be used for student expenses.  Local districts may elect to pay for some or all student expenses out of their general fund revenues.