Program Areas

Agricultural education provides systematic instruction to students in the areas of agriculture, food and natural resources. Through these subjects, agricultural educators teach students a wide variety of skills, including science, math, communications, leadership, management and technology. Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.
 
Through agricultural education, students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success. Agricultural education instruction is delivered through three major components.
•    Classroom/Laboratory instruction 
•    Supervised Agricultural Experience programs 
•    Leadership Development 

Students enrolled in agricultural education courses can pursue the following pathways: 
•    Animal Systems
•    Equine Science
•    Natural Resources Systems
•    Plant Systems
•    Power, Structural, and Technical Systems
•    Sustainable Agriculture Production

Moodle-based Professional Learning Communities

Career and Technical Education sponsors Moodle-based Professional Learning Communities for teachers and other educators. These PLCs provide a place where staff members can access curriculum documents, share ideas and questions about their jobs, and get information directly from CTE consultants. All CTE teachers and support personnel should subscribe to their Pathway Sector PLC. Other PLCs are also available for teachers of particular courses and people with special interests.

FFA

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 education programs are eligible for membership. FFA is one of the three instructional components of agricultural education.

Across North Carolina there are 48,241 members in 370 chapters. Nationally, there are 1,027,273 members in 9,235 chapters. Members can be found in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

North Carolina Agricultural Education Staff

For more information on FFA opportunities, visit:

• North Carolina FFA

• National FFA 

Business, Finance, and Marketing (BFM) provides students with meaningful instruction for and about business. Instruction in Business, Finance and Marketing Education encompasses business skills and techniques, an understanding of basic economics, an understanding of making socioeconomic decisions and producing goods and services to consumption, and business attitudes essential to become a globally engaged and productive citizen. BFM plays a key role in preparing a competent, business-literate, and skilled workforce. The associated curricula have real-life relevance that empowers and helps young adults to compete in a global marketplace while managing their own financial affairs and making intelligent consumer and business-related choices. 

Students may pursue the following career pathways:

• Accounting
• Business Ethics and Law
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Financial Planning
• General Management
• Marketing Management
• Office Administration
• Project Management
• Sales
• Sports & Event Marketing

Moodle Based Professional Learning Communities

Career and Technical Education sponsors Moodle-based Professional Learning Communities for teachers and other educators. These PLCs provide a place where staff members can access curriculum documents, share ideas and questions about their jobs, and get information directly from CTE consultants. All CTE teachers and support personnel should subscribe to their Pathway Sector PLC. Other PLCs are also available for teachers of particular courses and people with special interests.

Links

Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education - For teachers, instructors, youth leaders, program developers and others who help students of all ages find their own entrepreneurial opportunities.

MBA Research and Curriculum Center - Not-for-profit, research-based support for all Business Administration educators: entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality, management/administration, and marketing.

National Business Education Association - The National Business Education Association (NBEA) is the nation's leading professional organization devoted exclusively to serving individuals and groups engaged in instruction, administration, research, and dissemination of information for and about business. NBEA is the leading association devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today's fast-changing society.

North Carolina Council for Economics Education (NCCEE) - To enhance and advance economic and financial education for North Carolina's educators and students.

NC Virtual (NCVPS) - Provides students with expanded academic options by offering online courses (AP, Honors, World Languages, etc.), online services such as test preparation, career planning services, credit recovery, and Occupational Course of Study (OCS) courses to North Carolina students.

FBLA

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, business people, 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 association has four divisions:

• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for high school students
• FBLA-Middle Level for junior high, middle, and intermediate school students
• FBLA-Collegiate for postsecondary students
• Professional Division for business people, FBLA  alumni, educators, and parents who support the goals of the association

NC FBLA State Adviser - Ashleigh Wagoner

For more information on FBLA opportunities, visit:
FBLA
NC FBLA

DECA

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, test, and role-playing events that simulate actual business situations. They are judged by business people in the specific occupational area. 

The events are held in the major career clusters of:

• Business Administration & Management
• Finance
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Sales & Service
• Entrepreneurship

NCDECA State Advisor - Pam O'Brien

For more information on DECA opportunities visit:
NC DECA
DECA

NC BFM State Staff

Elizabeth Matthews
Felisha Davis 

Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education  (CSITT) is focused on building linkages in information technology occupations for entry level, technical and professional careers related to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in data representation and abstraction; effectively design, develop, and test algorithms; demonstrate knowledge of digital devices, systems and networks; and demonstrate an understanding of the role computer science plays and its impact in the modern world. The program works in coordination with the Computer Science Division.

Students may pursue the following career pathways:

• Adobe Academy
• Adobe Video  Design
• AP Computer Science
• Cisco Network Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science Principles
• 3DModeling and Animation
• Game Art Design
• Network Administration
• Network Security
• PLTW Engineering
• Python Programming
• SAS Programming
• Swift Develop
• Technology Engineering and Design

Moodle-Based Professional Learning Community

Career and Technical Education sponsors Moodle-based Professional Learning Communities for teachers and other educators. These PLCs provide a place where staff members can access curriculum documents, share ideas and questions about their jobs, and get information directly from CTE consultants. All CTE teachers and support personnel should subscribe to their Pathway Sector PLC. Other PLCs are also available for teachers of particular courses and people with special interests.

Students may pursue more than one intracurricular CTSO.

TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization available to all middle school and high school students who are enrolled in Computer Science, IT and Technology Education courses. Through activities at the local, state and national level TSA members have the opportunity to engage in community service and leadership development as they enhance their skills and understanding of computer science, IT and technology, engineering, and design. TSA has developed over 70 timely competitions that enable students to compete against peers for recognition in various CSITT and STEM related areas. 

TSA competitive events parallel the Computer Science, IT and Technology Education curricula and align with the Next Generation Science Standards (Grades 6-12), Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL), Computer Science Teachers Association K-12 Computer Science Standards, ISTE Standards for Students and the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Participants compete in hands-on project based activities and leadership events in these major career areas:

• Architecture and Construction Technology
• Communications Technology
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Manufacturing and Transportation Technology
• STEM
• STEM and the Arts
• Technology and Research.

NC TSA State Advisor - Dr. Jerianne Taylor

For more information on TSA opportunities, visit:

NC Technology Student Association
National Technology Student Association

NC CSIT Education State Staff

Brent Curran

Natalie Hulbert

Michael Renne 

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) provides the bridge needed by all students to deal with major societal issues such as work-and-family, health care, child and elder care, family and community violence and crime, global economics and politics, and technology usage. FCS Education is a catalyst to bring these issues into action-oriented, skill-building educational programs. The North Carolina FCS Education program provides a platform for students to transition into adult life by gaining a strong foundation of the knowledge and skills needed for successfully living and working in a diverse, global society. Students develop personal effectiveness and industry-relevant technical skills as they explore and pursue career pathways aligned to the FCS Body of Knowledge and Family and Consumer Sciences National Standards 3.0.

Students may pursue the following career pathways:

• Apparel and Textile Production
• Counseling and Mental Health
• Culinary Arts Applications
• Culinary Arts Internship
• Early Childhood Development and Services
• Food and Nutrition
• Food Products and Processing Systems
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Interior Design
• Teaching/Training

Moodle-Based Professional Learning Community

Career and Technical Education sponsors Moodle-based Professional Learning Communities for teachers and other educators. These PLCs provide a place where staff members can access curriculum documents, share ideas and questions about their jobs, and get information directly from CTE consultants. All CTE teachers and support personnel should subscribe to their Pathway Sector PLC. Other PLCs are also available for teachers of particular courses and people with special interests.

FCCLA

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 standards and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. FCCLA most directly supports Career Clusters in Arts and Design, Hospitality and Tourism, Financial Services, Education and Training, Human Services, and Public Service. 

FCCLA offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in competitive events, community service, and leadership development. With over 244,000 student members and more than 7,300 chapter advisers across 5,300 chapters, FCCLA fosters a vibrant community committed to making a difference. The organization addresses various youth concerns, including parenting, family relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure, sustainability, nutrition and fitness, teen violence, and career preparation. Additionally, FCCLA provides merit-based scholarships and helps students explore career pathways, making them college- and career-ready. By participating in FCCLA, students develop essential life skills and become leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
 

For more information on FCCLA opportunities visit:
National FCCLA
State FCCLA

NC FCCLA State Adviser - Dani Fisher stateadviser@northcarolinafccla.org 

Links

North Carolina Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NCAFCS)  - NCAFCS is the only professional association for comprehensive and integrative source of knowledge and the primary voice focusing on  family, individual and community well being.

NCACTE- FCS Division -The North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE) is a professional organization for Career and Technical Educators. NCACTE works to initiate, expand, improve, and promote all Career and Technical Education. Family and Consumer Sciences has a division in NCACTE.

NC State Extension - NC State Extension helps create prosperity for North Carolina through programs and partnerships focused on agriculture and food and health and nutrition.

LEAD FCS - The Family and Consumer Sciences National Standards 3.0 (NASAFACS 2018) continues the proud tradition of providing the framework for national, state, and local programs that prepare students for family life, work life, and careers in Family and Consumer Sciences by empowering individuals and families across the life span to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society.

Social Media

• Instagram
• Facebook

Say Yes to FCS in North Carolina

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people to become middle and high school FCS teachers. You can make a difference in the lives of over 155,000 North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences students. Contact the following universities to find out how you can earn a teaching degree or credential in Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

For additional information, contact:

NC FCS Education State Staff

Gwen Turner

Valerie Williams
 

Health Science Education is a comprehensive program designed to meet the current and projected needs of the healthcare industry. Curriculum concepts incorporate technological advances to motivate students and prepare them to pursue a career as a future health professional, emphasizing various healthcare domains. Students are encouraged to seek work-based learning opportunities that include job shadowing, internships,pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships to support their areas of interest in healthcare.

Students may pursue the following career pathways:

• Biomedical Technology
• Emergency Medical Technology
• Healthcare Professional
• PLTW Biotechnology Research and Development

Moodle-Based Professional Learning Communities

Career and Technical Education sponsors Moodle-based Professional Learning Communities for teachers and other educators. These PLCs provide a place where staff members can access curriculum documents, share instructional ideas, pose questions, and obtain information directly from CTE consultants. All CTE teachers and support personnel should subscribe to their Pathway Sector PLC and are encouraged to be active participants.

HOSA Future Health Professionals

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. 

HOSA Future Health Professionals includes:

• The Middle School Division comprises students grades 6 through 8 interested in or planning to pursue a career in healthcare.
• The Secondary Division comprises students in grades 9 through 12 enrolled in a Health Science program or interested in, planning to pursue, or pursuing a career in healthcare.
• Postsecondary/Collegiate Division for students enrolled in Health Science related programs at the postsecondary/collegiate level.

Chapters are organized locally and must include an appointed advisor (preferably a health science teacher). Students must affiliate with a local HOSA chapter to join HOSA Future Health Professionals.

NC HOSA State Executive Director Jennifer Epperson, BSN, RN- jennifer.epperson@nchosa.org 

For more information on HOSA opportunities, visit:

• NC HOSA
• International HOSA 

Link

International Consortium for Health Science Education - Provide leadership and professional development for Health Science Education through collaboration among education, the healthcare industry, policymakers, and professional organizations.

NC Health Science Education State Staff

Melissa Leeds

VACANT

Trade and Industrial Education (T&I) programs provide students with the skills and conceptual knowledge needed for careers in industry. Students can focus on industry certifications for careers immediately after graduation or develop skills and knowledge needed for higher level professional degrees.

Students may pursue the following career pathways:

• Auto Body Repair
• Automotive Service
• Carpentry
• Collision Repair
• Drafting Architectural
• Drafting Engineering
• Drone Technology
• Electrical Trades
• Emergency Management
• Firefighter Technology
• HVACR
• Law and Justice
• Masonry
• Metals Manufacturing
• Plumbing
• Public Safety
• Solar Photovoltaics
• Welding
• Woodworking

Moodle-Based Professional Learning Communities

Career and Technical Education sponsors Moodle-based Professional Learning Communities for teachers and other educators. These PLCs provide a place where staff members can access curriculum documents, share ideas and questions about their jobs, and get information directly from CTE consultants. All CTE teachers and support personnel should subscribe to their Pathway Sector PLC. Other PLCs are also available for teachers of particular courses and people with special interests.

Students may pursue more than one intracurricular CTSO. 

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of education and industry designed to strengthen the nation’s skilled workforce.  The mission is to empower student 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 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.

Skills USA Executive Director, Paul Heidepriem

For more information on SkillsUSA opportunities, visit:
SkillsUSA — North Carolina 
SkillsUSA — National 

NC T&I Education State Staff

David Barbour

Nolan Fahrer

Jim Pressly

Career Exploration, Management, And Planning

There are three CTE courses designed for the specific purpose of career development and include:

• EY30 Career Exploration (middle grades)

• ED45 Career Management (high school)

• WSXX Advanced Studies (high school – one for each Career Cluster)

The offering of these courses facilitates the connection between parents, business/industry, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations to support student transition to postsecondary education and employment. These connections are made through various elements of Career Development and Work-based Learning opportunities. The design of these courses incorporates the essentials of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, National Career Development Association Competencies and Guidelines, the National Model for School Counseling Programs, and Future-Ready Students for the 21st Century.

Career And Technical Student Organizations

Students in any of the three courses for career management are eligible to participate in any/all of the CTSOs. 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.

An Association for Marketing Education Students (DECA)

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 businesspeople in the specific occupational area.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

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 standards and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. FCCLA most directly supports career clusters in Arts and Design, Hospitality and Tourism, Financial Services, Education and Training, Human Services, and Public Service.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

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.

HOSA – Future Health Professionals

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.

North Carolina FFA Association and National FFA Organization

FFA is an 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

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.

Technology Student Association (TSA)

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization available to all middle school and high school students who are enrolled in Computer Science, IT and Technology Education courses. Through activities at the local, state and national level TSA members have the opportunity to engage in community service and leadership development as they enhance their skills and understanding of computer science, IT and technology, engineering, and design. TSA has developed over 70 timely competitions that enable students to compete against peers for recognition in various CSITT and STEM related areas. 

Career-Related Links

• Career One Stop
• National Career Development Association
• NCACTE
• NC Business Committee on Education
• NC Career Development Association
• NCcareers
• NC Commerce: Labor & Economic Analysis Division (LEAD)
• NC Commerce: Sector Strategies
• US Careers Online Video Gallery

Lead Consultants:

Ashley Matthews-Smith, Middle Grades Consultant

Jim Pressly, Trade and Industrial Consultant