Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) are
vocational
A vocation () is an occupation to which a person is especially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified. Though now often used in non-religious contexts, the meanings of the term originated in Christianity.
A calling, in the reli ...
organizations primarily based in high schools, colleges and career technology centers.
Often, on the state level, they are integrated into
departments of education or incorporated as
nonprofit organization
A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...
s. Many states define CTSOs as "integral parts" of the high school and college education programs.
Other higher education institutions have added extracurricular activities that are not sports-related, like CTSOs in order to enhance the college experience.
Some major CTSOs include:
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BPA (Business Professionals of America, formerly Office Education Association)
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DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America)
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FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
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FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) (formerly Future Homemakers of America)
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FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America)
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HOSA-Future Health Professionals (formerly Health Occupations Students of America)
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SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school, college and middle school students and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service oc ...
(formerly Vocational Industrial Clubs of America)
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TSA (Technology Student Association, formerly American Industrial Arts Student Association)
Other CTSOs recognized by some states include
Educators Rising (formerly Future Teachers of America) and the
International Thespian Society
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society for high school
A secondary school, high school, or senior school, is an institution that provides secondary education. Some secondary schools provide both ''lower secondary educ ...
.
See also
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Career and Technical Education
References
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