Career and Technical Student Organizations... Assist students by: • Providing opportunities to meet Oregon diploma requirements • Developing leadership skills • Enhancing employability skills • Fostering understanding and appreciation of the free enterprise system • Promoting the importance of the family • Valuing and respecting citizenship • Developing personal and social relationship skills Assist schools by: • Providing additional tools to meet Oregon’s diploma requirements, Career Related Learning Standards, and Extended Application Standards • Increasing students’interest in learning • Promoting positive community and school relationships • Publicizing the value of career and technical education to students • Supporting the total school program and education process • Enriching the classroom and learning activities • Meeting the needs for young leaders and positive role models Assist communities by: • Preparing students for community responsibilities • Expanding the labor force with trained capable workers • Supporting community projects and activities • Identifying with the value of education and the local economy • Increasing positive attitudes toward youth and education

Career and Technical Student Organizations Demonstrate the Relevance and Value of Education Introduction Student organizations are an integral part of career and technical education.  These organizations—AOFC (Associated Oregon Forestry Clubs), DECA (An Association of Marketing Students), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), FFA (An Association of Agricultural Education Students), FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), and SkillsUSA (An Association of Students in Technical, Skilled, and Services Studies)—provide students with the opportunity to meet Oregon’s Diploma Requirements and to extend learning from the classroom to the community. Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) provide opportunities for students to develop and enhance the skills they will need to be successful in their future career and leadership endeavors.  Organized educational activities promoting personal leadership and career enhancement opportunities are integrated into career and technical education programs.   Participation in a CTSO enhances maturity, promotes career readiness, and provides a smooth transition from high school to a technical school/college, community college, college or university, or directly into the workforce.  CTSOs are important components of career and technical education programs and Oregon’s education system. The interaction between CTSOs and business and industry is especially meaningful as it allows employers to contribute directly to the student’s education.  Representatives of business and industry play important roles in classroom instruction, chapter activities, and competitive events.  Additionally, through participation in CTSO activities, students attain and showcase valuable career development skills to potential employers. Career and Technical Student Organizations have an excellent reputation and many years of success.  CTSOs specifically provide students with challenges, positive role models, personal confidence, and meaningful interactions.  The leadership and personal growth opportunities offered through these organizations are extremely valuable to all students, including those who may not encounter such opportunities elsewhere during their school experience.