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.