Career and Technical Student Organizations and Competitions

 

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are student organizations that are integral to each Career and Technical Education program. CTSOs are extracurricular and co-curricular groups that participate in industry-specialized lessons, student-led meetings, leadership training, community service, and local, state, and national competitions aligned with CTE programs of study. CTSOs align with the 16 Career Clusters and 79 Career Pathways recognized by Career and Technology Education across the United States. CTSOs extend teaching and learning through innovative programs, business and community partnerships and leadership experiences at the school, state and national levels. 

CTSOs are a powerful avenue for helping our nation address key challenges such as workforce development, student achievement, economic vitality and global competitiveness.  CTSOs are authorized by the U.S. Congress in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act. The purpose of Career and Technical Student Organizations is to develop citizenship, technical, leadership and teamwork skills essential for students who are preparing for the workforce and further education. 

The Career Education Department in LSR7 support the following Career and Student Technical Organizations: 

DECA - Marketing

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) - Business & Information Technology

FCCLA (Family Careers and Community Leaders of America) - Family Consumer Sciences

Educators Rising - Family Consumer Sciences

TSA (Technology Student Association) - Engineering & Industrial Technology

HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association) - Health Science

Students in these organizations have the opportunity to compete in regional, state and national competitions that provide real world experiences. Time in and out of class is spent researching, creating, developing and practicing for a specific event, either as an individual, group or chapter.  

January and February are busy months for regional competitions with students trying to qualify for state, which are typically held in March. Students qualifying at the state level travel to Nationals (International DECA) competitions in April, June and July. Students in the Lee’s Summit district have done very well at the competitions for the various events. This year we have a large number of students qualifying for state. The following CTSO organizations have students qualifying for State, with the TSA competition held in April.

DECA 42 students qualified for State

FBLA  55 students qualified for State

FCCLA 2 students qualified for State

Educators Rising -10 students qualified for State

HOSA 9 students qualified for State

Students gain leadership skills, speaking and presenting skills as well as being judged by people in the industry. The experiences gained in CTSOs and competitions are skills and opportunities that will last a lifetime.