The United States Department of Education (USDOE) has endorsed Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) as a critical component of an effective Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The term 'career and technical student organization' means an organization for students enrolled in a career and technical education program that engages in career and technical education activities as an integral part of the instructional program.

To further the development of leadership and technical skills, students have opportunities to participate in one or more of the seven (CTSOs). CTSOs develop character, citizenship, and the technical, leadership and teamwork skills essential for the workforce and further education. CTSO activities are considered a part of the instructional day when they are directly related to the competencies and objectives in the course.

Below are brief descriptions of what each CTSO offers to students with links to their national and Nevada websites, as well as contact information.

DECA is a national organization for secondary students enrolled in Marketing Education. DECA is an intra-curricular student-centered organization designed as an integral part of the classroom instructional program of marketing education that motivates students to learn marketing competencies preparing students to be skilled, employable workers in the field of marketing. All chapters and the national organization are guided in their plans and activities by advisory committees of marketing education instructors, alumni members, school administrators, and business professionals.

State Website: Nevada DECA

Contact: curtis@nevadadeca.org

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) is a national career and technical education student organization for secondary students preparing for careers in business or business education. FBLA is both an intra-curricular and integral part of the complete CTE business education programs in Nevada. Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is an organization on the move for postsecondary and collegiate students enrolled or interested in a variety of business programs. With over 25,000 members across the nation, PBL has developed successful business leaders for over 30 years.

State Website: Nevada FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)

Contact: hello@nevadafbla.org

FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) is the only national career and technical student organization with the family as its central focus. FCCLA is both an intra-curricular and integral part of the complete CTE family and consumer sciences education programs in Nevada. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education.

State Website: Nevada FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America)

Contact: hello@nevadafccla.org

FFA is a national organization for secondary students enrolled in Agricultural Education. FFA is an intra-curricular student-centered organization designed as an integral part of the classroom instructional program of agricultural education that motivates students to learn career competencies preparing them for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. The largest student youth organization in America, the FFA is both an intra-curricular and integral part of the complete CTE agriculture education program. All chapters and the national organization are guided in their plans and activities by advisory committees of agriculture education instructors, alumni members, school administrators, and business professionals.

State Website: Nevada FFA

Contact: nevada.ffa.assoc@gmail.com

HOSA- future health professionals is a global student led organization for students enrolled in health occupations education, whose mission is to promote career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. Through HOSA, students develop leadership and technical skills through a program of motivation, awareness, and recognition. HOSA is both an intra-curricular and integral part of the complete CTE Health Occupations education programs in Nevada.

State Website: Nevada HOSA: future health professionals

Contact: hello@nevadahosa.org

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry. Working together to ensure America has a skilled work force and helps every student excel. SkillsUSA serves high school and college students who are enrolled in programs preparing them for technical, skilled, and service careers. SkillsUSA adds to students ‘technical training by teaching leadership skills, teamwork, citizenship, and character development-all things that go into shaping responsible, reliable employees who will one day become leaders in our workplaces. SkillsUSA is both an intra-curricular and integral part of the complete CTE education programs in Nevada.

State Website: Nevada SkillsUSA

Contact: https://nvskillsusa.org/contact-us/

Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization of students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology and education courses, TSA's membership includes more than 300,000 middle and high school students across the United States. TSA is supported by educators, parents, and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. Members learn through exciting competitive events, leadership opportunities, and much more. A wide range of activities makes TSA a positive experience for every student.