What are CTSOs?
Tennessee Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are student-led organizations that enhance career and technical education (CTE) programs by providing middle school, high school, and postsecondary students with leadership development, hands-on learning, and real-world career exploration. Through competitive events, community service, and leadership experiences, Tennessee CTSOs help students build the confidence, skills, and professional readiness they need for future success.
Tennessee CTSOs are an integral part of the state's CTE system and are recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education, the National Coordinating Council of Career and Technical Student Organizations, and various state and federal agencies. Each CTSO aligns with a specific career cluster and supports classroom instruction by connecting students to meaningful experiences, industry engagement, and professional pathways across a wide range of fields.
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A Classroom-Connected Experience
CTSOs are embedded in Tennessee’s career and technical education programs as a co-curricular organization that directly supports classroom instruction. By integrating CTSOs into CTE courses, educators give students a platform to apply what they learn in school to meaningful, future-focused opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
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Building the Future Workforce
Tennessee CTSOs offers a wide range of programs designed to equip students for their future careers. These include competitive events aligned with real-world workplace and leadership skills, leadership conferences at the regional, state, and national levels, service-learning projects, and professional networking opportunities. Each of these programs helps students explore potential career paths, develop essential soft skills, and gain experience that supports their future goals.
Our Mission
Tennessee CTSOs empower students to become leaders through career-connected learning and leadership development experiences, preparing them for postsecondary education and the workforce.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Tennessee students become confident leaders and skilled professionals, equipped to thrive in the workforce and strengthen their communities.
Learn More About Tennessee CTSOs
Tennessee CTSOs include seven organizations, each serving students through unique programs aligned to specific career pathways. While all CTSOs share a commitment to leadership development and career-connected learning, each organization offers distinct experiences and opportunities.
Select a CTSO below to learn more about their mission, programs, and impact.
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DECA
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
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FBLA
FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders.
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FCCLA
FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership development in human services, education, design, and hospitality.
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FFA
FFA develops students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
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HOSA–Future Health Professionals
HOSA empowers Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community.
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SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, empowering students to become skilled professionals and career-ready leaders.
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TSA
TSA enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).