Career & Technical Student Organizations

Tennessee Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are pivotal in preparing students for postsecondary education, workforce success, and military readiness. Through hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, and opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, Tennessee CTSOs ensure that every student is prepared for their next steps beyond high school. These organizations serve as a bridge between education and industry, fostering a future-ready workforce and supporting Tennessee’s economic growth. 

Tennessee CTSOs are designed to:

  • Facilitate Career Exploration and Decision Making: Integrate career-focused competitions, mentorship, and networking opportunities that expose students to industry professionals and postsecondary options. These experiences help students make informed career choices. 
  • Enhance Career Readiness Skills: Equip students with technical, leadership, and employability skills that align with industry needs.
  • Integrate into the Classroom: Provide resources and tools that allow projects and programs to be integrated into the existing career and technical education (CTE) classroom curriculum. 
  • Develop Leadership Abilities: Offer students opportunities to grow as leaders through officer roles, teamwork, and public speaking.
  • Promote Academic and Technical Excellence: Encourage students to apply classroom learning through competitions, community service, and professional development.
  • Foster Personal Growth: Support students in building confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Expand Postsecondary Opportunities: Provide scholarships and direct program connections with colleges, universities, and technical schools, reinforcing the pipeline between K-12 and postsecondary education.
  • Strengthen Industry Connections: Provide students with networking opportunities through industry partnerships, mentorships, and career pathways. 

Questions can be sent to: 

For schools that wish to offer an alternative CTSO equivalent to the department-supported CTSOs outlined above, a Proposal for Substitution of a Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Form must be submitted for consideration. To be considered, the CTSO must be recognized by the National Coordinating Council for Career & Technical Student Organizations.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. With competitive events, leadership development, and real-world business simulations, DECA equips students with the skills to succeed in the global economy.

Aligned Career Clusters:

Questions can be sent to:

Tennessee.DECA@tn.gov

Resources

FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders through career preparation, leadership experiences, and competitions in business-related fields, such as accounting, digital design, and entrepreneurship. 

Aligned Career Clusters:

Questions can be sent to:

Resources

FCCLA focuses on personal growth and leadership through family and consumer sciences education. Students engage in projects related to career exploration, leadership, and community service, preparing them for careers in education, human services, and hospitality. 

Aligned Career Clusters:

Questions can be sent to:

Resources

FFA prepares students for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. With hands-on experiences, competitions, and community service, FFA develops students’ skills in agricultural education, sustainability, and agribusiness.

 Aligned Career Clusters:

Questions can be sent to:

Resources

HOSA-Future Health Professionals prepares students for careers in health sciences through competitive events, leadership training, and real-world learning experiences. HOSA members develop skills in patient care, medical research, and healthcare advocacy.

 Aligned Career Clusters:

Questions can be sent to:

Resources

SkillsUSA empowers students with the technical, academic, and leadership skills needed for careers in trade, industrial, and technical occupations. Through hands-on training, competitions, and leadership development, SkillsUSA helps students become workforce-ready. 

  Aligned Career Clusters:

Questions can be sent to:

Resources

TSA engages students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through leadership development and competitive events in fields like robotics, software development, and engineering design. TSA fosters innovation and problem-solving skills.

Aligned Career Clusters:

Questions can be sent to:

Resources