Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)
Overview
CTSOs enhance Career and Technical Education in Virginia through the co-curricular network of programs, business and community partnerships and leadership experiences at the school, state, and national levels. Virginia students enrolled in career and technical education courses are members of the local CTSO related to their courses and area of interest and are provided with opportunities to apply academic, technical and employability knowledge and skills necessary in today’s work force.
Virginia CTSOs
Each of these CTSOs attracts students from different CTE curriculum areas. CTSOs extend Career and Technical Education in Virginia through networks of programs, business and community partnerships and leadership experiences at the school, state and national levels and provide Virginia students with opportunities to apply academic, technical and employability knowledge and skills necessary in today’s work force. Virginia CTE students are served through DECA, Educators Rising, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA and TSA.
DECA
Virginia DECA - Prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
- State Conference: March 1-3, 2024, Virginia Beach, VA
- National Conference: April 27-30, 2024, Anaheim, CA
- National DECA Website
Educators Rising
Educators Rising Virginia - Provides high school students with opportunities to explore the nature of education and the role of the teacher.
- State Conference: March 2, 2024, Dumfries, VA
- National Conference: June 28-July 1, 2024, Washington, D.C.
- National Educators Rising Website
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Virginia FBLA - Prepares students for leadership and careers in business through business-related education and entrepreneurial skill development, community service and partnerships with the professional sector.
- FBLA State Conference: April 12-13, 2024, Reston, VA
- FBLA National Conference: June 24-27, 2024, Orlando, FL
- National FBLA/PBL Website
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Virginia FCCLA - Provides opportunities for students to prepare for multiple roles of family member, wage earner, and community leader as they develop skills for life through Family and Consumer Sciences Education.
- State Conference: April 12-14, 2024, Virginia Beach, VA
- National Conference: June 29-July 3, 2024, Seattle, WA
- National FCCLA Website
FFA
Virginia FFA Organization - Makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education; prepares students for careers in the food, fiber, and natural resources industries.
- State Convention: June 24-28, 2024, Blacksburg, VA
- National Convention: November 1 - 4, 2023, Indianapolis, IN
- National FFA Website
HOSA - Future Health Professionals
Virginia HOSA- Promotes career opportunities in the health care industry to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.
- State Conference: March 8-10, 2024, Williamsburg, VA
- National Conference: June 26-29, 2024, Houston, TX
- National HOSA Website
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA Virginia - A partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure Virginia and America have a skilled work force.
- State Conference: April 19-21, 2024, Virginia Beach, VA
- National Conference: June 24-28, 2024, Atlanta, GA
- National SkillsUSA Website
Technology Student Association (TSA)
Virginia TSA - Provides the application and integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts through co-curricular instruction, leadership development, competitive events and related programs.
- State Conference: May 2-5, 2024, Hampton, VA
- National Conference: June 26-30, 2024, Orlando, FL
- National TSA Website
Benefits of CTSOs include:
- Provides a hand-on approach to learning
- Refines career objectives through realistic experiences
- Promotes awareness of new career opportunities
- Develops skills and responsibilities for being a role model and mentor
- Cultivates social development and awareness
- Develops a sense of community and volunteerism
- Develops an appreciation and understanding for cultural diversity
- Improves communication and decision making skills
- Provides for personal development
- Develops interpersonal and leadership skills
- Develops responsibility and self-confidence
- Provides opportunities for recognition