More than 100,000 Oklahoma students are developing career and leadership skills as members of Oklahoma CareerTech student organizations.
Oklahoma membership in CTSOs has hit an all-time high for the second year in a row. According to numbers collected earlier this month, 105,907 students are members of Business Professionals of America; DECA; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; FFA; HOSA; SkillsUSA; and Technology Student Association.
“Career and technology student organizations change lives,” said Amy Warner, HOSA state adviser. “They are transformative communities that empower individuals to unlock their full potential, cultivate essential skills and forge lifelong connections, ultimately paving the way for success in both career and life.”
Individual CTSO membership numbers are BPA, 6,613; DECA, 1,685; FCCLA, 20,194; FFA, 29,667; HOSA, 6,968; SkillsUSA, 16,971; and TSA, 23,809. Membership in each organization has increased over last year.
Additionally, the Oklahoma chapter of National Technical Honor Society reported 4,023 members to date, although some high schools and technology centers have not yet inducted new members this year. NTHS honors excellence in workforce education; students must meet national and local criteria and be invited to join a local chapter.
Each of the seven co-curricular CTSOs is affiliated with a CareerTech educational division: BPA, business and information technology education; DECA, marketing education; FCCLA, family and consumer sciences education; FFA, agricultural education; HOSA, health careers education; SkillsUSA, trade and industrial education; and TSA, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The CTSOs allow students to put into practice the skills they learn in classrooms, said Brittani Phillips, FCCLA state adviser.
“Students learn about their specific skill areas and then are able to practice through their CTSO,” she said. “They also offer a place to belong for so many of our students and help prepare the future leaders of this great state.”
CTSOs give students opportunities to grow leadership and employability skills in addition to their technical skills, said Scott Nemecek, FFA state adviser. Also, he said, they offer competitive events that allow students to showcase their skills and meet others with similar interests from across the state and the nation.
Regional, state and national CTSO competitions also give students the chance “to develop real-world skills, strengthen their leadership abilities and explore career opportunities,” said Tami Redus, TSA state adviser.
Oklahoma CareerTech: Education that works for you
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 60 campuses, 397 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
