More than 122,000 Oklahoma students are developing leadership and career skills as members of Oklahoma CareerTech student organizations, setting an all-time high for the fourth consecutive year.
This fall, 122,929 students joined one of seven co-curricular CTSOs: Business Professionals of America; DECA; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; FFA; HOSA -- Future Health Professionals; SkillsUSA; and TSA.
The record growth was driven by a 38% increase in TSA membership, highlighting students’ growing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The surge in TSA membership reflects the growing demand for opportunities that connect students’ classroom learning to real-world STEM applications,” said Tami Redus, TSA state adviser. “TSA provides students with more than just competitions; it gives them leadership experiences, career exploration and the confidence to apply their skills beyond school. That’s the real value of belonging to a CareerTech student organization: Students find a place where they can grow, lead and discover their futures.”
In addition to TSA’s 34,227 members, this year’s CTSO membership totals are:
- BPA -- 7,389
- DECA -- 1,555
- FCCLA -- 24,209
- FFA -- 29,507
- HOSA -- 7,772
- SkillsUSA -- 18,270
The National Technical Honor Society also reported 4,295 Oklahoma members, a 1.4% increase from last year. Oklahoma ranks fourth in the nation for NTHS membership.
“Oklahoma’s CareerTech student organizations give young people the chance to put their education into action,” said Brent Haken, Oklahoma CareerTech state director. “The record-setting growth we’re seeing means more students than ever are building leadership, technical and teamwork skills that will carry them into successful careers and stronger communities. CTSOs are proof that when students are engaged, they thrive.”
Each of Oklahoma’s seven co-curricular CTSOs is directly tied to a CareerTech education division:
- BPA -- business and information technology education
- DECA -- marketing education
- FCCLA -- family and consumer sciences education
- FFA -- agricultural education
- HOSA -- health science education
- SkillsUSA -- trade and industrial education
- TSA -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics
Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader
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 63 campuses, 395 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.
