Mission and Purpose of CTSOs

According to the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations, CTSOs are purposed as follows:

• To enhance student learning through contextual instruction, leadership and personal development, applied learning and real world application;
• To serve as an integral component of the classroom curriculum and instruction, while 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 Career and Technical (CTE) program;
• To 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; and
• To provide students an opportunity to hold leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels and attend leadership development conferences to network with other students as well as business and industry partners.

Four Common Organizational Goals of CTSOs

• Academic and career achievement
• Leadership development
• Professional development
• Community service

Government Authorization of CTSOs

The United States Department of Education (USDOE) endorsed Career and Technical Student Organizations as a critical component of an effective Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. CTSOs are authorized by the U.S. Congress in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act.

Alignment of CTSOs

CTSOs align with the 16 Career Clusters and 79 Career Pathways recognized by CTE.

Benefits of Joining a CTSO

Career preparation; scholarships; challenging academic competitions; trophies and cash awards; medallions; travel opportunities; networking; friendship and fun; leadership development; community service; hands-on skill experiences; preparation for in-demand, high-skilled, and high-waged careers; develop soft skills, and enhance student learning

National Research Center for CTE

“The more students participate in Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) activities, the higher their academic motivation, academic engagement, grades, career self-efficacy, college aspirations and employability skills.”