Career & Technical Student Organizations

A Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) is an organization that engages in career and technical education activities as an integral part of the instructional program. CTSOs provide opportunities to develop and refine the skills students need in their chosen occupational area. Conferences, competitions, workshops, community service and other activities encourage leadership development and career exploration.

CTSOs in Perkins V

The Iowa Department of Education supports CTSOs by providing limited financial support through Perkins funding and technical assistance to the various CTSOs established within the state. The Department holds the state charter for each CTSO.

Career and Technical Organizations Toolkit

Career and Technical Student Organization Secondary Guidance

Career and Technical Student Organization Postsecondary Guidance

Guidance Impacting CTSOs and the Senior Year Plus Concurrent Enrollment Program

Integration

CTSOs have proven their ability to connect education and careers, motivate students, build education and business partnerships, participate in career guidance and counseling, encourage higher level academics, and build interpersonal and employability skills of students.

CTSOs are considered "co-curricular" organizations and are directly linked to career education coursework through a comprehensive high school, career academy or college with an organized chapter of the related CTSO.

CTSOs support the career and technical curricula to:

• enable students to achieve high academic and occupational standards
• develop meaningful business partnerships
• link work-based and school-based learning to the real world of work and family
• motivate youth to become better students and productive citizens
• develop school and community leaders
• enhance students’ self-esteem and self-confidence
• develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for success
• keep students motivated and concentrated

CTSO Alignment

Secondary

At the secondary level, CTSOs are aligned broadly by service area and, more narrowly, by CIP code, as defined by the following list. 

Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources

Applied Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing

Business, Finance, Marketing and Management

Information Solutions/Information Technology

Health Science

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Services

Postsecondary

At the postsecondary level, CTSOs are aligned by career cluster as defined by the following list.

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

FFA - The national FFA organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Iowa FFA Association

• Watch an Introduction to FFA webinar recording

Executive Director: Scott Johnson, scott.johnson@iowaffa.com, 515-965-7376

Applied Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing

SkillsUSA - An applied method of instruction for preparing America’s high performance workers in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work: high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and involvement in community service. SkillsUSA-Iowa

• Watch an Introduction to SkillsUSA webinar recording
• Watch a SkillsUSA promotion video

Executive Director: Kent Storm, statedirector@skillsusaiowa.org, 515-344-3888

Technology Student Association (TSA) - Fosters personal growth, leadership and opportunities in technology, innovation, design and engineering. Members apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts through co-curricular activities, competitive events and related programs. Iowa Technology Students Association

• Watch an Introduction to TSA webinar recording

Executive Director: Rhys South, rhys.south@johnston.k12.ia.us, 515-822-5135

Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Business Professionals of America (BPA) - The mission of BPA is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, academic, citizenship and technological skills; prepares students to be effective associates and committed business leaders by educating, validating and motivating on an individual basis; to develop the business, communication, technical and leadership skills need to contribute and compete in the workplace today and tomorrow. Iowa Business Professionals of America

• Watch an Introduction to BPA webinar recording
• Watch a BPA promotion video

Executive Director: Deb Jones, djones@iowalakes.edu, 712-852-5241

DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) - The mission of DECA is to enhance the co-curricular education of students who have an interest in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. DECA seeks to help students develop skills and competence for marketing, finance, hospitality, management and entrepreneurial careers, build self-esteem, experience leadership and practice community service. DECA is committed to the advocacy and growth of business and education partnerships. Iowa DECA

• Watch an Introduction to DECA webinar recording
• Watch a DECA promotion video

Executive Director: Carol Von Tersch, director@iowadeca.org, 515-259-1718

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) - The mission of FBLA is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. Iowa FBLA

• Watch an Introduction to FBLA webinar recording
• Watch a FBLA promotion video

Executive Director: Kent Storm, kent@iowafbla.org, 515-657-8260

Health Sciences

HOSA - Future Health Professionals - The purpose of the HOSA organization is to develop leadership and technical HOSA skill competencies through a program of motivation, awareness and recognition, which is an integral part of the Health Science Education instructional program.

• Watch an Introduction to HOSA webinar recording
• Watch a HOSA promotion video

Executive Director: Alisa Drapeaux, director@iowahosa.org, 515-523-0514

Human Services

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) - The mission of FCCLA is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for live through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and career preparation. Iowa FCCLA

• Watch an Introduction to FCCLA webinar recording
• Watch an FCCLA promotion video

Executive Director: Sherry Vogel, director@iowafccla.org, 515-303-0774

Financial Guidance

Financial guidelines for CTSOs that have received Federal Perkins Grant Program funds have been established. These guidelines call for oversight by the Department. The Department monitors for fiscal compliance and verifies that requirements are met in order for the CTSO to receive Federal Perkins Grant Program (Perkins) funds.

Student Outcomes

Students participating in career and technical student organizations have the opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership and citizenship skills within the context of career and program interests which also enhances their occupational skills and future employability. These organizations provide students opportunities in a caring, secure environment to participate in leadership initiatives, and to enhance their awareness of the role of community service and responsibility to governmental affairs.

Activities are designed to provide opportunities for student achievement in sound decision-making, positive professional appearances and skill attainment. These experiences are enhanced through involvement of business, industry and labor in a climate of positive interaction and cooperation. For many students, this is the only leadership opportunity they will experience during their educational careers. Communities, states and the nation benefit, as well as the individual and their families.

Community Support

Producing viable, active citizens who are concerned about their professions and the welfare of their communities, states and nation is the positive product. Career and technical student organizations have an excellent reputation and years of success in Iowa.

Communities and businesses can provide support by serving as evaluators at state and national conferences, serving as guest speakers, providing opportunities for job shadowing or internships, and assisting in any way they and the organization agree upon.

Source: CTSO: Guide to Accessing Federal Perkins Funds For the Support of Career and Technical Student Organizations, 2008, Editor/Project Manager: Lyn Fiscus, Leadership Logistics, Contributing Editor/Writer: Alisha Dixon Hyslop, Assistant Director of Public Policy, Association for Career and Technical Education.

CTSO Advisor Academy

The CTSO Advisor Academy is an Iowa Department of Education supported initiative to provide training, resources and support for emerging CTSO programs. The program has 12 total video modules and is available entirely on demand, with videos released throughout the year. 

Modules include:

• Introduction to CTSOs
• Introduction to Iowa's CTSOs
• Managing Perkins Dollars & Student Activity Funds with Your CTSO
• Membership Recruitment and Engagement
• Managing Chapter Meetings
• Integrating into the Classroom
• Electing and Supporting Chapter Officers
• Developing a Chapter Program of Work
• Crafting Community Service Projects
• Succeeding at Competitive Events
• Attending Conferences and Events
• Fundraising and Financial Leadership Activities

Most modules are accompanied by a resource document that highlights key points and guides advisors in future learning.

Register for the CTSO Advisor Academy - Modules will be emailed to registrants when released.

CTSO Resources

• CTSO Sample Local Chapter Advisor Job Description
• CTSO Curricular Integration
• CTSO Sample Monthly Officer Report
• CTSO Sample Committee Meeting Report
• CTSO Sample Program of Work
• CTSO Sample Meeting Agenda