Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) develop, in students, essential skills for success such as learning, thinking, communication, technology, and interpersonal skills. They help students gain a positive image through competitive skills events, leadership development, and service learning projects. Students with exposure to CTSOs serve their communities and nation and gain a competitive edge in the workforce.
The National FFA Organization
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Program Contact: R. Troy Helms (rthelms@clemson.edu)
"It's definitely not your father's FFA" is a recurring theme for the largest Career and Technical Student Organization in South Carolina. Over 4500 students take advantage of contests that test skills ranging from Equine Science to Floriculture. Students can seek leadership positions in the FFA well into their postsecondary years and often do so at Clemson University, home of SC FFA. Competitions are held yearly statewide with the culminating event the summer conference in June.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Business, Management, and Administration
FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. As the second largest Career and Technical Student Organization in South Carolina, FBLA is represented in comprehensive high schools and technology centers across South Carolina and serves over 2000 members. South Carolina members have a proven track record of utilizing the skills they develop during their FBLA experience to get elected to leadership roles and place among the top ten winners of their competitive event at both the state and national levels.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Business Management and Administration
The mission of Business Professionals of America is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills and to help students pursue careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields. https://bpa.org/
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc. (FCCLA)
Human Services
Hospitality & Tourism
Education & Training
Arts, AV Technology, and Communications
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Because South Carolinians view the family and nutrition as fundamentals to the survival of the state and nation, it is no small wonder that SC FCCLA has the support of secondary schools and culinary art institutions. The organization was introduced to the state in the early 1900's and continues to support curriculum in the Family and Consumer sciences. State advisors and officers coordinate the yearly culinary arts competitions and leadership events in SC FCCLA.
Educators Rising
Education (Teaching and Related Education Careers)
Schedule a Meeting: Click here to schedule a meeting
Educators Rising is transforming how America develops aspiring teachers. Starting with high school students, Educators Rising provides passionate young people with hands-on teaching experience, sustains their interest in the profession, and helps them cultivate the skills they need to be successful educators. The result is a pipeline of accomplished teachers who are positioned to make a lasting difference — not only in the lives of their students, but also in the field of teaching more broadly.
Every teacher should enter the profession with the necessary skills. Educators Rising is a powerful way to help communities grow the next generation of well-prepared teachers.
HOSA - Future Health Professionals
Health Science
Program Contact: Anna Snipes (alsnipes@ed.sc.gov)
The health care profession continues to provide professional development for those hands that care for the nation's populace. In South Carolina, HOSA is dedicated to providing learning experiences for those students who have interest in the health occupations. With membership at the secondary schools, career centers, and postsecondary institutions, SC HOSA includes five regions that serve a membership of over 5000 students, teachers, and administrators. Hospital administrators, faculty, and other business partners comprise the state executive council.
DECA
Marketing
An Association of Marketing Students supports the Marketing Education curriculum. Students enjoy competitions grounded in marketing theory and application. The association sponsors 36 leadership and skill competitions ranging from DECA Quiz Bowl to Marketing Research Event with competitors from all over the state. The DECA association in South Carolina has over 1900 members, and state winners continuously taking honors in national competitions. https://www.deca.org/
SkillsUSA
Architecture and Construction
Arts, AV Technology, and Communications
Manufacturing
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Program Contacts: SCSkillsUSA Executive Director, Joseph Chapman (jchapman@skillsusasc.org), B.T. Martin (btmartin@ed.sc.gov) & Steven Watterson (swatterson@ed.sc.gov)
SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, skilled service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. (www.skillsusa.org or www.scskillsusa.org)
In South Carolina, Skills USA coordinates state competitions that support the curriculum of all 16 Career Clusters in the National Career Clusters Framework. Over 70 events allow students to demonstrate skills and competencies in such areas as welding auto mechanics, cosmetology, and computer-assisted drafting. The South Carolina association enjoys the support of business partners that host state and local competitions by supplying necessary materials and scholarships.
Technology Student Association (TSA)
Scientific Research and Engineering
Program Contacts: TSA State Director, Tracy Johnson (tjohnson001@horrycountyschool.net), B.T. Martin (btmartin@ed.sc.gov) & Steven Watterson (swatterson@ed.sc.gov)
The South Carolina Technology Student Association (SCTSA) is for all students that are interested in STEM. SCTSA chapters prepare students to be successful inventors, designers, creative problem solvers, responsible citizens and leaders in a technological society! The mission of the Technology Student Association is to prepare its membership for the challenges of a dynamic world by promoting technological literacy, leadership, and problem solving skills, resulting in personal growth and opportunities. There are over 70 different competitions from where students can compete with others. There is something for everyone. Some of the competitions include website design, dragster design, biotechnology and more! Students that get through the State Conference are able to move to the National Conference. (www.tsaweb.org or www.southcarolinatsa.org)
External Resources
