Career and Technical Student Organizations
These organizations are co-curricular activities that enrich CTE programs of study, and provide students with opportunities to highlight their learning experiences through competitions, leadership skills, scholarships, and networking with professionals. 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.
The United States Department of Education (USDOE) has endorsed Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) as a critical component of an effective CTE program. The responsibility for CTE instructional programs and related activities, including CTSOs, rests with state and local education agencies.
**Students must be currently enrolled in or have taken a CTE course related to the respective CTSO to partake in organizational membership.
State charters are held by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which has the responsibility for leadership and fiscal oversight of each organization, as well as integration of CTSO activities into a state-approved CTE program of study. TEA sponsors the following CTSOs:
Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) encourages students to learn about careers in education and assists them in exploring the teaching profession while promoting character, service and leadership skills necessary for becoming effective educators.
Texas Business Professionals of America (BPA) a national, cocurricular, career/technical organization for students in middle school, high school, and college business and technology programs.
Texas Family Career and Community Leaders Association (FCCLA) mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.
Texas FFA Texas FFA is a dynamic youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Texas Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a global student-led organization, whose mission is to promote career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.
SkillsUSA Texas SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel in leadership skills, technical and engineering skills, STEM, and occupationally related skills in 12 of the cluster areas. All students in Career and Technical Education programs are eligible for membership.
Additional state and national CTSO information:
Texas Education Association CTSO overview
National Coordinating Council for
Career and Technical Student Organizations
Historical overview of CTSOs in Texas
The Rate of Change
"The changing landscape demands a proactive approach to education," wrote Kristie Kelley, of the Center for Energy Workforce Development, for Techniques in May 2025. "We must make sure the future workforce is capable and ready to make an impact." As we navigate uncertainty, CTE educators continue to embrace opportunities for growth -- preparing students for tomorrow, today.
Read more Careers Connect articles from the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)