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)
Texas Family Career and Community Leaders Association
Texas Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA)
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)